Title :
Laser and spectral properties of Cr, Tm, Ho:YAG at 2.1 μm
Author :
Bowman, Steven R. ; Winings, M.J. ; Auyeung, Raymond C Y ; Tucker, J.E. ; Searles, Stuart K. ; Feldman, Barry J.
Author_Institution :
US Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA
fDate :
9/1/1991 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The authors study the loss process in a uniformly pumped amplifier experiment. The impact of the loss mechanism on laser performance is discussed and its dependence on excited state density is considered. An extensive set of measurements was performed on flashlamp pumped YAG crystals doped with chromium, thulium, and holmium. Near-room-temperature laser operation on the 2.1 μm holmium transitions was characterized using a frequency selective resonator. Small signal gain and stored energy lifetimes were analyzed to determine the strength and dependence of loss mechanisms. The analysis of the thermal lensing experiments demonstrated a high degree of excess heat generation in this material
Keywords :
chromium; holmium; laser transitions; optical pumping; solid lasers; thulium; 2.1 micron; YAG:Cr,Tm,Ho; YAl5O12:Cr,Tm,Ho; excess heat generation; excited state density; flashlamp pumped YAG crystals; frequency selective resonator; laser performance; loss mechanism; loss process; small signal gain; spectral properties; stored energy lifetimes; thermal lensing experiments; uniformly pumped amplifier experiment; Chromium; Crystals; Laser excitation; Laser transitions; Performance evaluation; Performance loss; Pump lasers; Resonant frequency; Signal analysis; Thermal lensing;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
