Theoretical modeling of gain-guiding effects in experimental all-solid-state KLM lasers

All-solid-state four-mirror Kerr lens mode locked (KLM) Cr:LiScGaAlF/sub 6/ and three-mirror Cr:YAG femtosecond lasers have been experimentally developed and theoretically analyzed, using a numerical model that takes into account astigmatism, nonlinear xy coupling, and gain-guiding. For the soft-aperture three-mirror KLM system, the model is extended to include gain saturation and soft-aperturing and a new optimization parameter is proposed.