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Continuous-wave laser action around 2-microm in Ho3+:Lu2SiO5
Bao-Quan Yao1, Zheng-Ping Yu, Xiao-Ming Duan
1National Key Laboratory of Tunable Laser Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China. Yaobq08@hit.edu.cn
Optics Express
|August 6, 2009
Summary
This study demonstrates continuous-wave laser action in holmium-doped lutetium silicate (Ho:LSO) crystals around 2 micrometers. Both cryogenic and room-temperature operations achieved significant output power and high slope efficiencies for laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Solid-State Lasers
- Materials Science
Background:
- Holmium-doped materials are crucial for 2-micrometer laser development.
- Lutetium silicate (LSO) offers potential as a host for rare-earth ions.
- Efficient laser operation requires optimized doping concentrations and pumping schemes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate continuous-wave (cw) laser action in holmium-doped lutetium silicate (Ho:LSO) around the 2-micrometer wavelength.
- To investigate laser performance under cryogenic and room-temperature conditions.
- To explore different pumping strategies, including diode and in-band pumping.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of Tm-sensitized Ho:LSO crystals.
- Experimental setup for cryogenic cooling using liquid nitrogen.
- Implementation of high-brightness diode pumping and in-band Tm:YLF laser pumping.
- Measurement of output power, slope efficiency, and lasing wavelength.
Main Results:
- Cryogenic operation of Tm, Ho:LSO yielded 3 W output power at 2.07 microm with 35% slope efficiency.
- Room-temperature microchip Tm, Ho:LSO laser achieved >80 mW output power at 2.08 microm with 26% slope efficiency.
- In-band pumped singly-doped Ho:LSO demonstrated 2.8 W output power at 2106 nm with 35% slope efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Ho:LSO is a promising material for efficient 2-micrometer laser generation.
- Both cryogenic and room-temperature operations are feasible, with varying performance characteristics.
- In-band pumping offers an effective route for high-power room-temperature Ho:LSO lasers.
