Diode-pumped 1-W continuous-wave Er:YAG 3-mum laser

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Materials science
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Erbium-doped YAG (Er:YAG) lasers are valuable for applications requiring specific wavelengths.
• Developing efficient diode-pumped solid-state lasers is crucial for compact and powerful laser sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a diode laser end-pumped monolithic Er:YAG laser.
• To achieve continuous-wave (cw) output at 2.94 micrometers with high efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a monolithic laser crystal: Er-doped YAG bonded to undoped YAG.
• Employed two polarization-coupled 2.5-W flared laser diodes for pumping.
• Achieved a 45-micrometer pump waist with a low numerical aperture (N.A. < 0.04).

Main Results:

• Generated 1.15 W of Gaussianlike (M(2) = 2) cw output power at 2.94 micrometers.
• Achieved a 34% slope efficiency.
• Demonstrated a quantum efficiency greater than unity.

Conclusions:

• The developed diode-pumped monolithic Er:YAG laser is an efficient source at 2.94 micrometers.
• This system shows promise for applications requiring high-power, specific-wavelength laser output.