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Efficient high-power continuous wave Er:Lu2O3 laser at 2.85 μm.
1Institute of Laser-Physics, University of Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, D-22761 Hamburg, Germany. tli@physnet.uni‐hamburg.de
Optics Letters
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Erbium-doped lutetium sesquioxide (Er:Lu2O3) lasers demonstrate record-breaking efficiency around 3 µm. An upconversion process boosts performance, achieving the highest efficiency for Er-sesquioxide lasers in this wavelength range.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Erbium-doped sesquioxides are promising for mid-infrared lasers.
- Understanding their optical and thermal properties is crucial for laser development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the crystal growth, spectroscopy, thermal conductivity, and laser performance of Erbium-doped Lutetium Sesquioxide (Er:Lu2O3).
- To achieve efficient laser operation around 3 µm using Er:Lu2O3.
Main Methods:
- Crystal growth of Er:Lu2O3.
- Spectroscopic characterization.
- Thermal conductivity measurements.
- Laser performance testing under optical and diode pumping.
Main Results:
- Achieved 1.4 W continuous-wave output power with ~36% slope efficiency at 2.85 µm at room temperature under optical pumping.
- Demonstrated 5.9 W output power with 27% slope efficiency under diode pumping (M(2) of 1.2–1.4).
- Observed an upconversion process enhancing efficiency beyond the Stokes limit.
Conclusions:
- Er:Lu2O3 is a highly efficient material for 3 µm lasers.
- The observed upconversion mechanism significantly boosts laser performance.
- This work presents the highest efficiency Er-sesquioxide laser around 3 µm.
