1-μm and 1.3-μm femtosecond lasers mode-locked using quantum-dot-based saturable absorbers

We report on the generation of femtosecond pulses in the 1-μm and 1.3-μm spectral regions from Yb:KYW and Cr:forsterite lasers, respectively, where InAs/InGaAs quantum dot based saturable absorber mirrors (QD-SAMs) have been utilised. For the experimental observations reported here, cw Yb:KYW and Cr:forsterite lasers pumped by a tapered 980nm laser diode and a Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064nm, respectively, were constructed and evaluated. Highly asymmetric Z-fold laser cavities were configured for both laser systems. During continuous wave operation the Yb:KYW laser produced an output power of 2W (3.5W incident power) at 1047nm and 250mW of average power (6W incident power) was generated by Cr:forsterite laser at 1270nm.