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Diode-pumped Tm:CALGO lasers operating on the 3H4 → 3H5 transition
Optics Express
|April 12, 2025
Summary
Watt-level continuous-wave laser operation was achieved for diode-pumped Thulium-doped Calcium Lithium Oxyborate (Tm:CALGO) lasers. This study quantifies energy transfer and demonstrates potential for ultrashort pulse generation.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Solid-state materials
Background:
- Thulium (Tm)-doped lasers operating around 2.3 µm are crucial for various applications.
- Understanding energy transfer processes in Tm:CALGO is essential for optimizing laser performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance of diode-pumped Tm:CALGO lasers.
- To quantify energy transfer mechanisms (cross-relaxation and upconversion) in Tm:CALGO.
- To explore the potential for long-wavelength emission and ultrashort pulse generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Tm:CALGO crystals with varying Tm³⁺ doping levels (1.5–5 at.%).
- Employed a wing-pumping scheme for continuous-wave (CW) laser operation.
- Analyzed laser output power, spectrum, and energy transfer dynamics.
Main Results:
- Achieved Watt-level CW laser operation for the first time.
- Maximum output power reached 1.48 W with a broad spectrum (2284–2348 nm).
- Observed unprecedented long-wavelength emission up to 2.55 µm, indicating phonon-terminated lasing.
Conclusions:
- Tm:CALGO crystals demonstrate significant potential for efficient 2.3-µm laser operation.
- The quantified energy transfer processes provide insights for laser design.
- Potential for femtosecond pulse generation in the 2.3–2.5 µm range is highlighted.
