Continuous-wave room-temperature laser oscillation of Cr(3+):MgO

Area of Science:

• Solid-state laser physics
• Materials science
• Quantum electronics

Background:

• Chromium-doped magnesium oxide (Cr(3+):MgO) is a promising gain medium for solid-state lasers.
• Room-temperature continuous-wave (CW) laser operation is desirable for practical laser systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate continuous-wave laser oscillation of Cr(3+):MgO at room temperature.
• To investigate the laser performance characteristics, including wavelength tunability, output power, threshold, and slope efficiency.
• To assess the thermal behavior of the Cr(3+):MgO laser system under optical pumping.

Main Methods:

• Utilized argon-ion laser pumping at 476 nm and 514 nm.
• Employed various mirror sets to achieve laser oscillation at different wavelengths.
• Measured output power, threshold power, and slope efficiency with respect to absorbed pump power.
• Monitored for thermal effects at high pump power levels.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous-wave laser oscillation of Cr(3+):MgO at room temperature.
• Observed free-running laser wavelength at 840 nm, with tunable oscillation from 824 nm to 878 nm using different mirror sets.
• Attained a maximum output power of 48 mW and a low threshold of 80 mW (absorbed pump power).
• Demonstrated slope efficiencies up to 2.3% with respect to absorbed pump power.
• Confirmed no significant thermal effects for absorbed pump powers up to 2.7 W.

Conclusions:

• Cr(3+):MgO is a viable material for room-temperature, continuous-wave laser operation.
• The laser system exhibits good tunability and efficient performance characteristics.
• The absence of thermal effects at high pump powers suggests robust laser operation and potential for high-power applications.