Efficient continuous wave and passively Q switched Er:GdScO₃ laser using Fe:ZnSe at 2.8 µm

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Solid-State Lasers
• Materials Science

Background:

• Erbium-doped crystals are crucial for mid-infrared laser development.
• Er:GdScO3 offers potential for efficient laser operation due to its unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate diode-pumped continuous wave (CW) and passively Q-switched laser performance of Er:GdScO3 crystals.
• To characterize laser output power, efficiency, pulse duration, and energy at approximately 2.8 µm.

Main Methods:

• Utilized diode pumping for laser excitation.
• Employed a saturable absorber (Fe:ZnSe) for passively Q-switched operation.
• Measured output power, pulse characteristics, and efficiency.

Main Results:

• Achieved 579 mW CW output power with 16.6% slope efficiency.
• Generated 32 mW peak output power in Q-switched mode.
• Obtained shortest pulse duration of 286 ns with 204 nJ pulse energy and 0.7 W peak power.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated the viability of Er:GdScO3 as a gain medium for diode-pumped lasers.
• Highlighted the potential for 2.8 µm laser applications requiring CW or pulsed operation.