Directly diode-pumped high-energy Ho:YAG oscillator

Area of Science:

• Laser physics and engineering
• Solid-state laser development
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Ho:YAG lasers are crucial for various applications requiring specific wavelengths.
• Efficient resonant pumping is key to enhancing laser performance.
• Q-switching techniques enable high peak power generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-energy laser operation of a Ho:YAG oscillator.
• To investigate performance under resonant pumping by a GaSb laser diode stack.
• To analyze the impact of Q-switching and resonator parameters on output characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Ho:YAG oscillator resonantly pumped by a 1.9 μm GaSb laser diode stack.
• Employed an acousto-optically Q-switched plano-concave resonator.
• Optimized for low repetition rates and varied output coupling transmissions.
• Conducted intracavity laser-induced damage threshold measurements.

Main Results:

• Achieved pulse energies exceeding 30 mJ at 2.09 μm.
• Operated the laser at a repetition rate of 100 Hz.
• Obtained a pulse duration of 100 ns at maximum pump power.
• Reached a peak power exceeding 300 kW.
• Studied the effects of different repetition rates and output couplings.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated efficient high-energy pulse generation from a resonantly pumped Ho:YAG laser.
• The compact Q-switched resonator design is effective for low repetition rate operation.
• The results provide valuable data for Ho:YAG laser system design and optimization.