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High-power diode-pumped cryogenically cooled Yb:CaF₂ laser with extremely low quantum defect
S Ricaud1, D N Papadopoulos, A Pellegrina
1Laboratoire Charles Fabry de l'Institut d'Optique, UMR 8501 CNRS, Université Paris Sud, 91127 Palaiseau, France. sandrine.ricaud@institutoptique.fr
Optics Letters
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Diode-pumped Ytterbium-doped Calcium Fluoride (Yb:CaF₂) lasers achieved high power at cryogenic temperatures (77 K) with exceptionally low quantum defects. This breakthrough offers efficient laser performance for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Solid-State Lasers
- Materials Science
Background:
- Diode-pumped lasers are crucial for various applications.
- Ytterbium-doped materials offer efficient laser operation.
- Low quantum defect lasers minimize waste heat and improve efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate high-power laser operation of Yb:CaF₂ at cryogenic temperatures.
- To achieve extremely low quantum defects in diode-pumped laser systems.
- To investigate the performance of Yb:CaF₂ at 77 K.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Yb:CaF₂ as the gain medium.
- Employing diode pumping at 981 and 986 nm.
- Operating the laser system at a cryogenic temperature of 77 K.
Main Results:
- Achieved laser operation at 992-993 nm with low quantum defects (1.2% and 0.7%).
- Generated an average output power of 33 W.
- Reached an optical efficiency of 35%.
Conclusions:
- Yb:CaF₂ lasers operating at cryogenic temperatures offer superior performance.
- The demonstrated laser performance represents a significant advancement in low quantum defect laser technology.
- This work paves the way for highly efficient, high-power laser sources.
