Diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively mode-locked Yb:GSO laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Materials Science
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Ytterbium-doped materials are crucial for developing efficient solid-state lasers.
• Exploring new host materials for Yb(3+) ions can lead to improved laser performance and novel wavelengths.
• Anisotropic crystal structures can influence the spectroscopic properties of rare-earth ions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the laser performance of a novel ytterbium-doped gadolinium orthosilicate crystal (Yb:Gd(2)SiO(5) or Yb:GSO).
• To demonstrate both continuous-wave (CW) and passively mode-locked laser operation of Yb:GSO.
• To explore the potential of Yb:GSO for efficient laser emission at long wavelengths.

Main Methods:

• High-power diode-end-pumping of a Yb:GSO crystal.
• Characterization of CW laser operation, including slope efficiency and emission wavelength.
• Implementation of passive mode-locking using a semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror (SESAM).

Main Results:

• Efficient CW laser operation achieved with a slope efficiency of 49% near 1094 nm.
• Demonstrated passive mode-locking with a maximum average output power of 638 mW at a repetition rate of 145.5 MHz.
• Yb:GSO laser operated at 1094 nm, representing the longest laser wavelength reported for Yb(3+) lasers.

Conclusions:

• Yb:Gd(2)SiO(5) is a promising new laser crystal for efficient high-power laser applications.
• The crystal's properties enable efficient laser operation with negligible reabsorption losses.
• Yb:GSO facilitates the generation of ultrashort pulses at record-long wavelengths for Yb-doped systems.