  The results of the study of ultra-short pulse generation in continuous-wave
Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) solid-state lasers with semiconductor saturable
absorbers are presented. The issues of extremely short pulse generation are
addressed in the frames of the theory that accounts for the coherent nature of
the absorber-pulse interaction. We developed an analytical model that bases on
the coupled generalized Landau-Ginzburg laser equation and Bloch equations for
a coherent absorber. We showed, that in the absence of KLM semiconductor
absorber produces 2pi - non-sech-pulses of self-induced transparency, while the
KLM provides an extremely short sech-shaped pulse generation. 2pi- and
pi-sech-shaped solutions and variable-area chirped pulses have been found. It
was shown, that the presence of KLM removes the limitation on the minimal
modulation depth in absorber. An automudulational stability and self-starting
ability were analyzed, too.
