Abstract
Passive Q-switching is an effective approach for generating pulsed lasers, owing to its compact and additional modulation-free design. However, to compare favorably with active Q-switching and multi-stage amplification, the output energy needs to be enhanced for practical applications. Kramers Ytterbium ion (Yb3+)-doped borate crystals, with their excellent energy storage capacity, have been proven to be high-potential laser gain mediums for achieving pulsed lasers with moderate and high output energy using passive Q-switching technology. In this study, the growth, characterization, and laser generation of one Yb3+-doped borate crystal, the Yb3+:ScBO3 crystal, are systematically reviewed. The continuous-wave and passive Q-switching laser characteristics are presented in detail, and the self-pulsations derived from intrinsic ground-state reabsorption are also demonstrated. The specific characteristics and experiments confirm the potential of the Yb3+:ScBO3 crystal for future pulsed laser applications with moderate or even high energy output.
Highlights
Pulsed lasers with typical single-pulse energy at the microjoule scale play vital roles in ranging, remote sensing, micro-machining, medical treatment, and other applications [1,2,3,4,5,6]
The commonly used passive Q-switching technology has been of great interest because it has a compact structure and no need for additional modulation and control systems, compared with active Q-switching technology, multi-stage amplification, etc. [7,8,9,10,11,12]
The output energy of passive Q-switching still needs to be improved to allow its use in practical applications
Summary
Pulsed lasers with typical single-pulse energy at the microjoule scale play vital roles in ranging, remote sensing, micro-machining, medical treatment, and other applications [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Such a laser gain medium possesses desirable emission characteristics, such as a long fluorescence lifetime, small emission cross-section, and broad fluorescence spectra.
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