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Widely tunable continuous-wave diode-pumped 2-microm Tm-Ho:KYF4 laser
Gianluca Galzerano1, Elisa Sani, Alessandra Toncelli
1Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Dipartimento di Fisica del Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy. gianluca.galzerano@fisi.polimi.it
Optics Letters
|April 10, 2004
Summary
Continuous-wave laser action was achieved in a Tm-Ho:KYF4 crystal at room temperature. This study presents crystal growth, spectroscopy, and laser results, achieving a record 99 nm tuning range for Tm-Ho lasers.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Materials science
- Solid-state optics
Background:
- Thulium-Holmium (Tm-Ho) doped crystals are promising for mid-infrared laser applications.
- Developing efficient and tunable Tm-Ho laser systems is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate continuous-wave laser action in a Tm-Ho:KYF4 single crystal at room temperature.
- To characterize the crystal growth, spectroscopic properties, and laser performance of Tm-Ho:KYF4.
- To achieve a broad tuning range for Tm-Ho lasers in a novel crystalline host.
Main Methods:
- Crystal growth of Tm-Ho:KYF4 using the Czochralski method.
- Spectroscopic measurements including absorption and emission spectra.
- Laser experiments utilizing optical pumping and cavity configurations to measure output power and tuning range.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of continuous-wave laser operation at approximately 2 microm.
- Obtained an output power exceeding 250 mW.
- Achieved a tuning range of 99 nm, the largest reported for Tm-Ho lasers in any crystalline host.
Conclusions:
- Tm-Ho:KYF4 is a viable host for efficient room-temperature mid-infrared lasers.
- The demonstrated broad tuning range highlights the potential of Tm-Ho:KYF4 for spectroscopic applications.
- This work sets a new benchmark for Tm-Ho laser performance in crystalline materials.