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We have demonstrated experimentally the simultaneous self-conjugation of extraordinarily and ordinarily polarized light waves (lambda=514 nm), with the polarization state preserved, in a Ce:BaTiO(3) crystal. Conjugate o waves originate from coupling between o and e waves by means of a circular photogalvanic effect. The conjugator also takes advantage of the Ce:BaTiO(3) crystal, for which it is easy to generate an extraordinary conjugate beam by photorefractive backscattering. This beam of light is necessary for double phase conjugation.

We have observed true self-starting Kerr-lens mode locking in two distinct solid-state laser systems operating at room temperature by optimizing the cavity geometry to maximize the amplitude modulation with respect to the intracavity power variation. Pulses of 15 ps have been obtained from a Pr(3+):YLF laser system operating at 607 nm, and 53-fs pulses have been obtained from Cr(4+):YAG at 1.54 microm.

We report the passive mode locking of a Cr(4+):YAG laser by use of a moving mirror and the generation of pulses as short as 70 fs by use of Kerr-lens mode locking. The intracavity dispersion has been measured, and the laser performance has been related to water absorption lines.