Diode-pumped mode-locked Yb:YScO₃ laser

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Materials science
• Solid-state optics

Background:

• Ytterbium-doped materials are crucial for developing efficient ultrashort pulse lasers.
• Exploring new host materials for Ytterbium ions can lead to improved laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mode-locking capabilities of the mixed sesquioxide single crystal Yb:YScO3.
• To characterize the spectral properties and laser performance of Yb:YScO3.

Main Methods:

• Continuous-wave laser operation was established using a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser at 976 nm pump wavelength.
• Mode-locking was initiated and stabilized using a saturable absorber mirror (SESAM).
• Spectral characteristics and output parameters were analyzed at room and low temperatures.

Main Results:

• First-time demonstration of mode-locking in Yb:YScO3.
• Achieved ultrashort soliton pulses as short as 48 fs at 1056.4 nm.
• Obtained a maximum continuous-wave output power of 7.45 W with 52.3% slope efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Yb:YScO3 is a promising new material for high-power ultrashort pulse laser applications.
• The demonstrated performance highlights the potential of mixed sesquioxides in advanced laser systems.