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Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
Diode-pumped Er:CaF2 ceramic 2.7 μm tunable laser.
Jan Sulc1, Michal Němec, Richard Svejkar
1Czech Technical University in Prague, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic. jan.sulc@fjfi.cvut.cz
Optics Letters
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Researchers investigated a new Er:CaF2 ceramic laser, achieving 2.7 μm mid-infrared radiation with 3% slope efficiency. This tunable laser demonstrated an 118 nm tuning range, showing potential for various spectroscopic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Erbium-doped calcium fluoride (Er:CaF2) ceramics are promising materials for mid-infrared (MIR) lasers.
- Developing high optical quality ceramics is crucial for efficient laser performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectroscopic and laser properties of a novel hot-formed Er:CaF2 ceramic.
- To demonstrate the potential of this material for generating tunable mid-infrared radiation.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed laser diode pumping at 968 nm.
- Characterization of mid-infrared emission at 2.7 μm.
- Utilizing a birefringent filter for laser tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved 2.7 μm mid-infrared radiation with a 3% slope efficiency.
- Demonstrated a laser tuning range of 118 nm (2687–2805 nm).
- Obtained a maximum output energy of 0.48 mJ at 2730 nm.
Conclusions:
- The hot-formed Er:CaF2 ceramic exhibits promising laser performance in the mid-infrared spectrum.
- The demonstrated tunability and output energy suggest suitability for spectroscopic and other applications.
