Diode pumped Cr3+:LiCAF fs-laser

We demonstrate the first diode pumped, mode locked Cr3+: LiCAF-laser. Transform limited 52 fs pulses were generated at 793 nm with 75 mW mode locked output power. Low loss chirped mirrors were used for dispersion compensation. Pulsed operation was achieved by Kerr lens mode locking without the need for additional cavity elements. Sub-30 fs pulses could be produced with low transmission output couplers. The laser delivered 165 mW CW-power when pumped by two laser diodes with a total of 630 mW.