Sub-60-fs SESAM mode-locked Yb, Y: CaF₂-SrF₂ laser

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Rare-earth doped fluoride crystals are crucial for advanced laser systems.
• Investigating mixed fluoride crystals offers opportunities for novel optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the optical spectroscopy and laser performance of Yb, Y: CaF2-SrF2 co-doped mixed crystals.
• To evaluate the potential of this new material for tunable and mode-locked laser applications.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive optical spectroscopy analysis (absorption, emission, gain cross-sections).
• Continuous wave (CW) and mode-locked laser performance testing.
• Characterization of output power, optical efficiency, tuning range, pulse duration, and peak power.

Main Results:

• Achieved a wide tuning range of 75.4 nm.
• Demonstrated a maximum average output power of 265 mW with 58.3% optical efficiency in CW regime.
• Obtained 53 fs pulses with 30 mW average output power and 5.82 kW peak power in mode-locked regime.

Conclusions:

• The Yb, Y: CaF2-SrF2 crystal shows significant promise as a new laser material.
• Findings provide valuable insights for developing disordered laser materials and incorporating other rare earth ions.