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Diode-end-pumped 4.2-W continuous-wave Yb:Y2O3 ceramic laser
1School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Block S1, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. J_Kong@pmail.ntu.edu.sg
Optics Letters
|June 24, 2004
Summary
We demonstrated an efficient diode-end-pumped Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Oxide (Yb:Y2O3) ceramic laser, achieving 4.2 W of continuous-wave output power. The study also investigated wavelength shifts due to reabsorption effects in the ceramic material.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Lasers
Background:
- Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Oxide (Yb:Y2O3) ceramics are promising gain media for solid-state lasers.
- Diode-end-pumping offers efficient and compact laser designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the performance of a diode-end-pumped Yb:Y2O3 ceramic laser.
- To investigate the influence of output coupling on threshold wavelengths and reabsorption effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a diode-end-pumping configuration for a polycrystalline Yb:Y2O3 ceramic laser.
- Measured continuous-wave output power, slope efficiency, and beam quality factor (M2).
- Investigated threshold wavelengths across varying output coupler reflectivities.
Main Results:
- Achieved 4.2 W of continuous-wave output power at 1078 nm with a pump power of 19.5 W.
- Obtained a slope efficiency of 29% and a beam quality factor (M2) of 1.63 at full pump power.
- Observed a 5 nm shift in threshold wavelengths with changes in output coupler reflectivity (90% to 99.9%) due to reabsorption.
Conclusions:
- The Yb:Y2O3 ceramic laser demonstrates efficient performance for continuous-wave operation.
- Strong reabsorption effects in the ceramic material significantly influence laser threshold wavelengths, particularly at high output coupler reflectivities.