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SESAM mode-locked red praseodymium laser
Optics Letters
|December 16, 2014
Summary
This study introduces the first semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) mode-locked praseodymium solid-state laser, achieving self-starting continuous-wave operation. This novel laser system demonstrates potential for compact and efficient red light generation.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Solid-state optics
- Quantum electronics
Background:
- Semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) are crucial for mode-locking lasers.
- Praseodymium-doped solid-state lasers offer potential for visible light emission.
- Previous SESAM mode-locking efforts have not focused on praseodymium gain media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the first SESAM mode-locked praseodymium solid-state laser.
- To investigate the performance characteristics of such a laser system.
- To achieve self-starting continuous-wave mode-locked operation in the red spectral region.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a Pr(3+):LiYF(4) crystal as the gain medium.
- Employing a Gallium Indium Phosphide (GaInP) quantum well-based SESAM for mode-locking.
- Characterizing laser output power, wavelength, repetition rate, and pulse duration.
Main Results:
- Achieved self-starting continuous-wave mode-locked operation.
- Obtained an average output power of 16 mW.
- Emitted pulses at a center wavelength of 639.5 nm with a duration of approximately 18 picoseconds at a repetition rate of ~85.55 MHz.
Conclusions:
- The successful demonstration of a SESAM mode-locked praseodymium solid-state laser.
- This work paves the way for compact, efficient red-light solid-state lasers.
- Highlights the viability of GaInP SESAMs for mode-locking praseodymium gain media.
