Mid-infrared self-Q-switched Er, Pr:CaF₂ diode-pumped laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Mid-infrared lasers are crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy and medical treatments.
• Developing compact, efficient, and stable mid-infrared laser sources remains a significant challenge.
• Q-switching techniques are essential for generating high-peak-power laser pulses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel diode-end-pumped self-Q-switched mid-infrared laser.
• To investigate the performance of Er³⁺, Pr³⁺ co-doped CaF₂ crystal in a laser cavity.
• To achieve compact and modulator-free laser operation in the mid-infrared region.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a diode-end-pumped configuration.
• Employing a 3 at. % Er³⁺ and 0.03 at. % Pr³⁺ co-doped CaF₂ crystal as the gain medium.
• Operating in a self-Q-switched mode without external modulators.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum average output power of 262 mW.
• Obtained a slope efficiency of 14.9%.
• Generated stable self-Q-switched pulses with a pulse duration of 718 ns at a repetition rate of 52.63 kHz and a center wavelength of 2803.7 nm.

Conclusions:

• Successfully demonstrated the first diode-end-pumped self-Q-switched mid-infrared laser using Er³⁺, Pr³⁺ co-doped CaF₂ crystal.
• The compact and modulator-free design shows significant potential for micro and integrated diode-pumped mid-infrared laser systems.
• The achieved performance metrics highlight the suitability of this crystal for mid-infrared laser applications.