Efficient Fe:CdTe laser producing 0.35 J pulses in the 5 µm spectral range

Area of Science:

• Solid-state laser physics
• Infrared laser technology
• Materials science

Background:

• Single-crystal Fe:CdTe is a promising gain medium for mid-infrared lasers.
• Previous Fe:CdTe laser demonstrations were limited in output energy and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-energy laser operation of Fe:CdTe at cryogenic temperatures.
• To investigate the laser's tunability and performance at elevated temperatures.
• To assess the potential for material processing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 4.08 µm Fe:ZnSe laser for pumping.
• Operated the Fe:CdTe laser at 77 K and 215 K.
• Employed a Peltier element to reach 215 K.
• Measured output energy, slope efficiency, and tunability.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record output energy of 0.35 J at 77 K with 44% slope efficiency.
• Demonstrated tunability from 4.86 to 5.37 µm.
• Obtained 0.15 J output energy with 22% efficiency at 215 K.
• Central wavelength shifted from 5.03 µm (77 K) to 5.23 µm (215 K).

Conclusions:

• High-energy laser operation of Fe:CdTe is feasible at 77 K.
• The Fe:CdTe laser demonstrates significant potential for material processing.
• Scalability with higher-energy pump sources is anticipated.
• Tunable operation at accessible temperatures (215 K) is achievable.