Abstract
Using a low non-saturable loss Bragg-reflector-based semiconductor saturable mirror, a passively Q-switched Er:Lu2O3 ceramic laser at 2.7 μm demonstrated short pulse-width and efficient operation, generating stable pulses of 70 ns pulse-width and ~71 kHz repetition rates. Over 692 mW of average output power was measured, corresponding to a pulse energy of ~9.8 μJ. In a modified resonator design of reduced round-trip time, pulses of 32 ns duration were generated. The achieved results suggest that Er:Lu2O3 ceramic could be a promising gain medium for efficient and high power pulsed laser generation at 2.7 μm. The prospects for further improvement in laser performance at this wavelength are discussed.
Highlights
Solid-state lasers based on Er3+ emitting around 3 μm have attracted significant attention because of their potential for numerous applications, such as laser microsurgery, laser radar, plastic and polymer processing, and pumps for longer wavelength oscillations [1,2,3]
We report on the demonstration of passively Q-switched operation of 2.7-μm
Results presented in this paper suggest that Er:Lu2 O3 ceramic could be a promising gain medium for high power and efficient nanosecond pulse generation in a 2.7-μm wavelength regime
Summary
Solid-state lasers based on Er3+ emitting around 3 μm have attracted significant attention because of their potential for numerous applications, such as laser microsurgery, laser radar, plastic and polymer processing, and pumps for longer wavelength oscillations [1,2,3]. The induced temperature gradient may lead to distortion of the laser mode and strong thermal lensing with pronounced spherical aberrations In this regard, thermally advanced host materials, such as sesquioxides, are of great interest for high power Er 3-μm laser operations [9,10]. Q-switched mid-infrared (MIR) lasers capable of producing nanosecond pulses with a high peak power are of great interest for applications as a pump source of longer wavelength oscillations, and for using in laser microsurgery and materials processing. The successful Q-switched and mode-locked operation of Er:ZBLAN fiber lasers has been demonstrated [25,26] In these systems, structured metal-reflector-based SESAMs were utilized. Q-switched operation of Er:Lu2 O3 ceramic laser using metal-reflector-based absorber has very recently been demonstrated, generating 60 mW of average output power with 660 ns of pulse duration [29]. Results presented in this paper suggest that Er:Lu2 O3 ceramic could be a promising gain medium for high power and efficient nanosecond pulse generation in a 2.7-μm wavelength regime
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