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Over 20 W alexandrite laser with beam quality M2 < 1.05.
Optics Express
|May 4, 2026
Summary
We achieved a record 20.4 W continuous-wave output power from a room-temperature alexandrite laser. This demonstrates the significant power-scaling potential of alexandrite lasers for high-efficiency applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Alexandrite lasers possess significant but underexplored power-scaling potential at room temperature.
- Previous research has not fully realized the capabilities of continuous-wave (CW) alexandrite laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a high-power, single transverse-mode CW alexandrite laser operating at room temperature.
- To investigate the power-scaling capabilities and performance metrics of optimized alexandrite laser systems.
Main Methods:
- Designed and optimized a dynamically stable resonator for efficient heat dissipation.
- Utilized laser diode pumping for the alexandrite gain medium.
- Implemented advanced resonator design for fundamental-mode operation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a record output power of 20.4 W in single transverse-mode operation.
- Demonstrated a high optical-to-optical efficiency of 34%.
- Obtained near-diffraction-limited beam quality (M² < 1.05) and exceptional stability (RMS < 0.2% over 2 hours).
Conclusions:
- This work provides compelling evidence for the superior room-temperature power-scaling capability of alexandrite lasers.
- The demonstrated alexandrite laser offers excellent efficiency and exceptional beam quality.
- Optimized resonator design and heat management are crucial for high-power CW operation.
