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Thulium fiber pumped tunable Ho:CaF2 laser.
Optics Letters
|April 29, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates the first room-temperature operation of an in-band pumped Holmium-doped Calcium Fluoride (Ho:CaF2) laser. Researchers achieved significant wavelength tunability and output energy, paving the way for new laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Solid-State Lasers
- Materials Science
Background:
- Holmium-doped Calcium Fluoride (Ho:CaF2) is a promising material for mid-infrared lasers.
- Room-temperature operation is highly desirable for practical laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first room-temperature operation of an in-band pumped Ho:CaF2 laser.
- To investigate the effect of holmium concentration on laser performance.
- To explore wavelength tunability and output energy characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Ho:CaF2 crystals with varying holmium concentrations (0.1–2.5 mol. %) using the Bridgeman technique.
- Longitudinal pumping of Ho:CaF2 crystals with a pulsed 1.94 μm thulium fiber laser.
- Spectroscopic investigation and lasing performance measurements.
Main Results:
- Achieved room-temperature operation of the in-band pumped Ho:CaF2 laser.
- Maximal wavelength tunability (2073–2114 nm) and output energy (1.6 mJ at 2113 nm) were observed for 1.5 mol. % Ho:CaF2.
- A slope efficiency of up to 30% was obtained with the optimal crystal sample.
Conclusions:
- The Ho:CaF2 laser demonstrates efficient room-temperature operation.
- Optimized holmium concentration is crucial for maximizing laser performance.
- This work highlights the potential of Ho:CaF2 for practical mid-infrared laser applications.
