50-fs pulse generation from a self-mode-locked Cr:LiSrAlF_6 laser

Abstract
The self-mode-locking of a Cr:LiSrAl6 laser has been demonstrated. With a pump power of 2 W from an argon-ion laser operating on the 476-nm line, 50-fs pulses were produced in the 800–920-nm tuning range at average powers of ∼150 mW. Although the mode-locking process was initiated by regenerative acousto-optic modulation, the self-mode-locking status of the Cr:LiSrAlF6 laser was readily confirmed by removal of the drive signal to the modulator.