Quasi-three-level orthogonally polarized cw dual-wavelength operation in Nd:LiYF4

Abstract

A diode-end-pumped quasi-three-level orthogonally polarized continuous-wave (cw) dual-wavelength Nd:LiYF4 (Nd:YLF) laser that generates simultaneous laser at the wavelengths 903nm and 908nm was demonstrated. Two types of cavity configurations were studied to support the stable dual-wavelength operation of the laser. A polarization beam splitter (PBS) was placed in the first type of cavity to split the beams polarizing in two orthogonal directions. At an absorbed pump power of 21.4W, the cw output power obtained at 903nm in π-polarization and 908nm in σ-polarization is 0.43W and 3.31W, respectively. Furthermore, in order to balance the gain-to-loss, an uncoated glass plane was inserted in the second type of cavity. By adjusting the inclination of the glass plane relative to the optical axis of the resonator, we realized the stable simultaneous dual-wavelength operation. The cw output powers of 1.82W at 903nm and of 2.92W at 908nm were obtained.