Abstract

Kerr-Lens Modelocking (KLM)^[1,2] has recently emerged as a powerful technique for femtosecond pulse generation in solid state lasers. To date, most KLM lasers have used the folded X or Z cavity geometry with an intracavity prism pair for group velocity dispersion (GVD) compensation. Operation in the negative GVD regime is necessary for the generation of transform limited femtosecond pulses. However, the use of a prism pair seriously constrains the compactness of KLM lasers, limits repetition rates to about 100 MHz and adds to alignment complexity. Multilayer dielectric mirrors have been used for GVD compensation^³' but these can provide only small amounts of GVD compensation which cannot be varied continuously.

© 1994 Optical Society of America