Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
08:48
Low-cost Custom Fabrication and Mode-locked Operation of an All-normal-dispersion Femtosecond Fiber Laser for Multiphoton Microscopy
Published on: November 22, 2019
Cr:forsterite laser pumped by broad-area laser diodes
1Department of Applied Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Optics Letters
|January 12, 2008
Summary
Researchers demonstrated a new Cr:forsterite laser using broad-area laser diodes. This laser system achieves a low threshold power of under 500 mW, paving the way for future high-power and mode-locked laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics and engineering
- Solid-state laser development
- Optical materials science
Background:
- Cr:forsterite lasers are known for their tunable output in the near-infrared spectrum.
- Broad-area laser diodes offer high-power pumping but often produce beams with poor spatial quality.
- Achieving low thresholds is crucial for efficient laser operation and practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a Cr:forsterite laser pumped by broad-area laser diodes.
- To investigate methods for reducing the lasing threshold.
- To assess the potential for high-power and mode-locked operation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized broad-area laser diodes for pumping a Cr:forsterite crystal.
- Employed a thin Cr:forsterite crystal to minimize intracavity losses.
- Operated the laser with short-wavelength pump diodes to enhance absorption.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a Cr:forsterite laser system.
- Achieved a low lasing threshold of less than 500 mW.
- Obtained relatively low output powers of 5 mW.
Conclusions:
- The developed Cr:forsterite laser shows promise for future advancements.
- Prospects for increasing output power are favorable.
- The system is a potential candidate for achieving mode-locked operation.
