Continuous-wave visible diode-pumped dye laser

Abstract

ABSTRACT We describe experimental results of cw laser operation using a red (670 nm) laser diode pumping two near4nfrared dyes(Rd-800 and Rd.700). Red diode lasers operating with 300 mW cw power were characterized, paying particular attention tobeam quality. Collimating optics and a highly astigmatic focusing system were designed and demonstrated, producing an approximately 50 pun diameter focal spot, resulting in over 15 kW/cm2 pump intensity (jer diode). The resulting diode/ optical system was used to pump a commercial Coherent Model 599 cw dye laser utilizing a flowing dye jet. 1. INTRODUCTION Tunable dye lasers have been one of the most important classes of lasers for more than two decades. They have manyuses that span the range from basic research tools to an emerging form of cancer treatment known as photodynamic thempy.For many applications, continuous wave (cw) lasers have significant advantages. However, the excitation sources for these devices are large and inefficient gas phase ion lasers, for example argon or krypton ion. Typically, these ion lasers are