Efficient continuous wave and quasi-continuous wave operation of a 2.8 μm Er:Lu₂O₃ ceramic laser

We have demonstrated a highly efficient 2.8 μm Er-doped Lu₂O₃ ceramic laser and investigated the lasing dynamics by time-resolved spectroscopy. During room-temperature continuous wave operation, a slope efficiency of 22% was achieved with a high-quality transparent ceramic. To our knowledge, this is the highest slope efficiency obtained by an Er:Lu₂O₃ ceramic laser. In addition, an output peak power of 1.2 W was obtained during quasi-continuous wave operation. Time-resolved spectroscopy showed that the emission wavelengths exhibited a red shift from 2715 to 2845 nm, which indicated that continuous wave operation may be possible at 2740 and 2845 nm.