Direct frequency comb generation from an octave-spanning, prismless Ti:sapphire laser

We describe a self-referenced optical frequency comb generator based on an octave-spanning, prismless Ti:sapphire laser. Dispersion compensation is provided by novel double-chirped mirror pairs and BaF2 wedges. Current versions operate at 80 and 150 MHz. The compact prismless design allows system scaling to a gigahertz repetition rate. Its carrier-envelope beat note is intrinsically stable with a signal-to-noise ratio of 30 dB in a 100-kHz bandwidth. The octave is reached at 25 dB below the average power level. The in-loop accumulated phase error is 1.4 rad (20 mHz to 1 MHz). The technique has the advantages of simplicity and stability compared with previous designs.