Observation of χ(3)-nonlinear optical effects in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-active CsLa(WO4)2 crystals: high-order Stokes and anti-Stokes generation and self-Raman CsLa(WO4)2:Nd3+ laser converter

Abstract

Tetragonal tungstate CsLa(WO4)2:Nd3+ was found to be an attractive multifunctional simultaneously Nd3+-laser and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-active crystal. A multitude of Stokes and anti-Stokes components is generated in the visible and near-infrared spectral region producing frequency combs with widths of ~8600 cm−1 and ~9560 cm−1 under pumping at 0.532 07 µm and 1.064 15 µm wavelengths, respectively. All registered nonlinear emission lines are identified and attributed to a single SRS-promoting vibration νs(WO4) mode with energy of ωSRS ~956 cm−1. Moreover, a passively Q-switched LD-pumped nanosecond self-Raman CsLa(WO4)2:Nd3+ laser is reported. An overview of Ln3+-doped tungstate self-Raman lasers is given as well.