All-solid-state widely wavelength-tunable and high-efficiency Yb:YSr₃(PO₄)₃ laser.

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Solid-State Lasers
• Materials Science

Background:

• Development of efficient and tunable solid-state lasers is crucial for various scientific and technological applications.
• Ytterbium-doped materials are attractive gain media for lasers operating in the 1-micron region due to their favorable spectroscopic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an all-solid-state, widely wavelength-tunable ytterbium-doped strontium calcium phosphate (Yb:YSP) laser.
• To investigate the laser performance, including output power, efficiency, and tunability, of the Yb:YSP crystal.
• To assess the potential of Yb:YSP as a gain medium for ultrafast laser systems.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of Yb:YSP crystals with varying lengths.
• Construction of a free-running Yb:YSP laser system using different output coupler transmittances.
• Implementation of a birefringent filter for achieving widely tunable laser operation.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum output power of 2.72 W with a slope efficiency of 66.9% at 1024-1054 nm.
• Demonstrated simultaneous dual-wavelength operation.
• Obtained a widely tunable Yb:YSP laser with a range exceeding 60 nm (1004-1066 nm).

Conclusions:

• The Yb:YSP crystal exhibits excellent performance as a gain medium for efficient and tunable solid-state lasers.
• The demonstrated broad wavelength tunability makes Yb:YSP a promising candidate for ultrafast laser applications in the 1-micron spectral region.