Self-mode-locked Cr:forsterite laser

We have demonstrated self-sustaining operation of a mode-locked chromium-doped forsterite laser in which short-pulse formation is entirely due to the nonlinearity of the laser crystal. Stable pulse trains are generated for intracavity pulse energies from 35 to 120 nJ. Pulses less than 100 fs in duration are obtained over the range of 1.23–1.28 μm, with a maximum average output power of 700 mW for 9 W of pump power.