Low-threshold diode-pumped femtosecond Cr(3+):LiSrAlF(6) laser

Routes toward minimizing the self-mode-locking threshold of an all-solid-state diode-laser-pumped Cr(3+):LiSrAlF(6) laser are considered. Sub-100-fs-duration pulses have been generated at pump powers below 100 mW by exploitation of a low-astigmatism cavity configuration in conjunction with a high-brightness self-injection-locked semiconductor laser pump module.