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Efficient grating-tuned mid-infrared Cr2+:CdSe laser
J McKay1, K L Schepler, G C Catella
1Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/SNJT, 3109 P Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7700, USA.
Optics Letters
|December 15, 2007
Summary
Room-temperature, all-solid-state laser operation was achieved using chromium-doped cadmium selenide (Cr2+:CdSe). This broadly tunable laser offers significant output power and efficiency for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state laser technology
- Materials science
- Quantum electronics
Background:
- Development of solid-state lasers operating at room temperature is crucial for practical applications.
- Tunable lasers are essential for spectroscopy, optical sensing, and telecommunications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate room-temperature, all-solid-state laser operation of Cr(2+)-doped CdSe.
- To characterize the laser's output power, efficiency, and tuning range.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Cr(2+)-doped CdSe as the gain medium.
- Employed a Q-switched Tm, Ho:YLF laser for optical pumping.
- Incorporated a diffraction grating for wavelength tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved broadband output power of 500 mW at 2.6 micrometers with 48% absorbed power slope efficiency.
- Obtained up to 815 mW of output power.
- Demonstrated tuning from 2.3 to 2.9 micrometers with a 10-nm bandwidth (FWHM) and output power up to 350 mW.
Conclusions:
- Cr(2+):CdSe is a promising material for room-temperature, all-solid-state tunable lasers.
- The demonstrated performance highlights the potential for high-power and efficient laser operation in the mid-infrared region.
