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Continuous-wave broadly tunable Cr2+:ZnSe laser
G J Wagner1, T J Carrig, R H Page
1Coherent Technologies, Inc., 655 Aspen Ridge Drive, Lafayette, Colorado 80026, USA.
Optics Letters
|December 12, 2007
Summary
This study demonstrates a room-temperature, tunable laser using chromium-doped zinc selenide (Cr2+:ZnSe). The all-solid-state device offers continuous wave output and broad wavelength tunability for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Development of tunable solid-state lasers is crucial for spectroscopy and optical sensing.
- Chromium-doped II-VI semiconductors offer potential for mid-infrared laser applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the room-temperature, continuous-wave (CW) operation of an all-solid-state Cr(2+):ZnSe laser.
- To characterize the laser's output power, efficiency, and tuning range.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a chromium-doped zinc selenide (Cr2+:ZnSe) crystal as the gain medium.
- Operated the laser in a continuous-wave (CW) mode at room temperature.
- Investigated the laser's performance including output power, slope efficiency, and wavelength tunability.
Main Results:
- Achieved room-temperature, continuous-wave (CW) laser operation.
- Demonstrated a maximum output power of 250 mW.
- Recorded an absorbed power slope efficiency of 63%.
- Achieved continuous tunability spanning from 2138 nm to 2760 nm.
Conclusions:
- The Cr2+:ZnSe laser system is a viable room-temperature, broadly tunable mid-infrared source.
- The demonstrated performance highlights the potential of Cr2+-doped chalcogenides for laser applications.
- Further research could optimize cavity design and pumping schemes for enhanced performance.
