Sub-100  fs pulse generation from a Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:Lu 2 O 3 ceramic thin-disk laser.

In this Letter, we demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) ceramic thin-disk laser. Ceramic laser gain media have many advantages for a high-power laser such as high fracture toughness, size scalability, low cost, and short time fabrication. By using the Yb:Lu2O3 ceramic thin disk, the pulse duration of 98 fs with the output power of 3.7 W was demonstrated. The shortest pulse duration was 86 fs with the decreased output power of 0.36 W. From our results, it was proven that a KLM thin-disk laser with ceramic gain media can become a new option for high-power, sub-100 fs pulse laser sources. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America