Pump induced lasing suppression in Yb:Er-doped microlasers.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Laser systems require pump sources for lasing.
• Higher pump power typically increases laser output power.
• Simultaneous use of multiple pump beams can alter expected lasing behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the effect of dual-wavelength pumping on Yb:Er-doped microlaser lasing.
• Explain the mechanism behind lasing suppression.
• Explore potential applications in laser control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simultaneous 980 nm and 1550 nm pump beams on an Yb:Er-doped microlaser.
• Observed and analyzed lasing behavior around the 1600 nm band.
• Investigated the role of individual pump beams by switching one off.

Main Results:

• Complete suppression of 1600 nm band lasing was observed with simultaneous 980 nm and 1550 nm pumping.
• Lasing was revived upon deactivation of either pump beam.
• The 980 nm pump alters the 1550 nm pump's role, causing it to consume population inversion above a threshold.

Conclusions:

• Dual-wavelength pumping can lead to unexpected population dynamics in Yb:Er microlasers.
• A closed-loop transition within erbium ions is induced by the interplay of the two pumps.
• This phenomenon provides insights for designing laser pump schemes and controlling lasing output.