Self-sum- and -difference-frequency mixing in GdAl_3(BO_3)_4:Nd^3+ for generation of tunable ultraviolet and infrared radiation

Abstract

We exploited Nd(3+) laser emission at 1061.9 nm ((4)F(3/2)?(4)I(11/2) channel) in a self-chi((2)) active GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4):Nd(3+) laser crystal. UV radiation was obtained from a 1.8% yield from self-sum-frequency mixing: 1/pump + 1/1061.9 = 1/UV, during pumping in the Nd(3+) (4)G(5/2)-(2)G(7/2) levels near 588 nm. The UV tunability had a range of 378-382 nm. We have demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, generation of coherent IR radiation from a self-difference-frequency mixing laser: 1/pump - 1/1061.9 = 1/IR. We got a 0.5% yield and tunability in the 1305-1365-nm range.