Compact Cr:ZnS channel waveguide laser operating at 2,333 nm

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics and Photonics
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Transition metal-doped II-VI semiconductors offer unique optical properties for laser applications.
• Chromium-doped zinc sulfide (Cr:ZnS) presents favorable thermo-mechanical properties for power scaling compared to other materials.
• Mid-infrared (MIR) lasers are crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy, free-space communications, and medical diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a compact mid-infrared channel waveguide laser in Cr:ZnS.
• To investigate the potential of Cr:ZnS for power scaling of chromium laser technology.
• To leverage the thermo-mechanical advantages of Cr:ZnS for enhanced laser performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a compact channel waveguide laser device using Cr:ZnS as the gain medium.
• Characterization of the laser's continuous-wave (CW) output power and wavelength.
• Measurement of the laser's slope efficiency under varying pump power levels.

Main Results:

• A compact MIR channel waveguide laser operating at 2333 nm was successfully demonstrated.
• The Cr:ZnS laser achieved a maximum CW output power of 101 mW, limited by the available pump power.
• A maximum slope efficiency of 20% was achieved, indicating efficient energy conversion.

Conclusions:

• Cr:ZnS is a promising material for developing high-power mid-infrared waveguide lasers.
• The demonstrated laser highlights the potential of Cr:ZnS for power scaling chromium laser technology.
• The thermo-mechanical properties of Cr:ZnS contribute to its suitability for robust laser system designs.