Growth and lasing performance of a Tm,Y:CaF₂ crystal

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Laser Physics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Development of novel laser materials is crucial for advancing optical technologies.
• Thulium-doped materials are of interest for near-infrared laser applications.
• Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) offers favorable optical properties for laser hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To grow and characterize a thulium (Tm³⁺) and yttrium (Y³⁺) co-doped CaF₂ crystal.
• To investigate the spectral and lasing performance of the novel Tm,Y:CaF₂ laser crystal.
• To demonstrate diode-pumped, continuous-wave laser operation and wavelength tunability.

Main Methods:

• Crystal growth of Tm³⁺ and Y³⁺ co-doped CaF₂.
• Spectroscopic characterization of the grown crystal.
• Diode end-pumping configuration for continuous-wave (CW) laser performance evaluation.
• Inclusion of a birefringent quartz plate for wavelength tuning.

Main Results:

• Maximum output power of 453 mW achieved under 2.5 W absorbed pump power.
• Optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 17.9% and slope efficiency of 21%.
• Wavelength-tunable operation realized over a range exceeding 190 nm.
• Laser emission observed in the 1850 nm to 2050 nm spectral region.

Conclusions:

• The Tm,Y:CaF₂ crystal exhibits promising laser performance.
• The material is suitable for efficient, tunable laser operation in the near-infrared.
• This co-doped crystal represents a viable candidate for future laser development.