Abstract
Direct diode-pumping of dye-based gain media has the potential to produce a very efficient, inexpensive, compact, tunable laser source. The pulsed diode lasers available for exciting dyes, however, have relatively low peak powers (up to a few watts). Therefore, the focusing characteristics of the diode beam are a key factor in reaching dye-laser threshold. In this work, detailed characterization of the output from a single-stripe red diode was done, including input/output characteristics and temporal and spatial profiles. Based on these results, transfer optics were designed to couple the diode beam into the dye-based gain medium with a small spot size. A solid-state dye element was then excited longitudinally in a low-threshold resonator. Laser results are reported, including measurements of threshold, input/output characteristics, temporal profiles, and spectral properties. The data are discussed in detail, and strategies for improving dye-laser performance are identified.
Published Version
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