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10-watt, pure continuous-wave, polycrystalline Cr2+:ZnS laser
I S Moskalev1, V V Fedorov, S B Mirov
1Department of Physics, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, 310 Campbell Hall, 1300 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Optics Express
|February 17, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel chromium-doped zinc sulfide (Cr(2+):ZnS) laser, achieving 10 W continuous wave output at 2380 nm. It also demonstrates wide wavelength tuning from 1940-2780 nm with high efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Solid-state materials
- Infrared optics
Background:
- Developing efficient and tunable mid-infrared lasers is crucial for various applications.
- Chromium-doped II-VI semiconductors offer potential for mid-infrared laser generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a high-power, continuous-wave (CW), tunable Cr(2+):ZnS laser.
- To investigate the performance characteristics of a thermally diffusion doped polycrystalline Cr(2+):ZnS laser.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an Erbium-fiber laser for pumping.
- Employed a Littrow-grating configuration for wavelength tuning.
- Fabricated a polycrystalline Cr(2+):ZnS laser crystal via thermal diffusion doping.
Main Results:
- Achieved 10 W CW output power at 2380 nm.
- Demonstrated "single-knob" wavelength tuning across 1940-2780 nm.
- Obtained a maximum output power of 7.4 W near 2400 nm and >2 W across 1970-2760 nm.
- Recorded 40% optical and 43% slope efficiencies.
- Observed no power roll-off up to 27 W of pump power.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated Cr(2+):ZnS laser is a powerful and tunable source in the mid-infrared.
- Thermal diffusion doping enables efficient polycrystalline laser operation.
- The laser shows excellent performance and stability for demanding applications.
