Controllable continuous-wave Nd:YVO₄ self-Raman lasers using intracavity adaptive optics

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Solid-state Raman lasers offer potential for high-power light generation.
• Thermal lensing effects can limit the performance of Raman lasers.
• Controlling laser parameters is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a controllable self-Raman laser system.
• To mitigate thermal lensing in Raman laser media.
• To enhance the output power and enable wavelength selection of solid-state Raman lasers.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an adaptive optics (AO) control loop with a deformable mirror.
• Utilizing a Nd:YVO4 self-Raman laser for proof-of-concept experiments.
• Employing the AO system to manage thermal effects and select output wavelengths.

Main Results:

• Achieved an 18% enhancement in the first Stokes output power.
• Demonstrated successful wavelength selection between two distinct Raman laser outputs (1109 nm and 1176 nm).
• Validated the potential of AO to alleviate thermal lensing in self-Raman lasers.

Conclusions:

• Adaptive optics provide an effective method for controlling self-Raman lasers.
• The developed AO technique can significantly enhance laser power and enable wavelength tunability.
• This approach paves the way for developing higher-power, versatile solid-state Raman laser systems.