Directly Single-Diode-Pumped Continuous-Wave Yb(3+):YAG Laser Tunable in the 1047-1051-nm Wavelength Range

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Solid-State Lasers
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Continuous-wave (cw) lasers are crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Yb:YAG lasers offer advantages like high thermal conductivity and broad emission bandwidth.
• Achieving tunable output with low-power diode pumping is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate wavelength tunability in a single-diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser.
• To investigate laser performance at low pumping power.
• To develop and validate a theoretical model for the laser system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single-diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser setup.
• Employed a tunable wavelength range of 1047-1051 nm.
• Developed a theoretical model and compared it with experimental results.

Main Results:

• Achieved wavelength tunability from 1047-1051 nm.
• Demonstrated efficient laser operation with 12.8% incident and 21% absorbed pump power efficiency.
• Obtained output powers of 166 mW (multimode) and 73 mW (fundamental mode).
• Measured a linewidth of 0.05-0.07 cm⁻¹ (1.5-2.1 GHz).

Conclusions:

• The Yb:YAG laser exhibits efficient and tunable performance at low pumping power.
• Experimental results align well with the developed theoretical model.
• This work contributes to the development of efficient and versatile diode-pumped solid-state lasers.