Title :
Direct upper-state pumping of the 2.8 μm, Er3+:YLF laser
Author :
Stoneman, R.C. ; Lynn, J.G. ; Esterowitz, L.
Author_Institution :
US Naval Res. Lab., Washington, DC, USA
fDate :
4/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Direct resonant pumping of the 4I11/2 upper state of the 2.8-μm Er3+:YLF laser at 0.97 μm is shown to be more efficient than other pumping schemes which have been used for this transition. Upper-state pumping avoids nonradiative losses arising from phonon and self-quenching decays inherent in other pumping schemes. Efficient performance of the 2.8-μm laser is maintained on condition that extremely shallow pump absorption is avoided. Reduced efficiency for shallow pump absorption is attributed to upconversion loss arising from high pumping rates
Keywords :
erbium; laser transitions; lithium compounds; optical pumping; solid lasers; yttrium compounds; 0.97 micron; 2.8 micron; Er3+:YLF laser; LiYF4:Er; YLF:Er3+; direct resonant pumping; direct upper state pumping; efficiency; nonradiative losses; phonon decay; pumping rates; pumping schemes; self-quenching decays; shallow pump absorption; upconversion loss; Absorption; Erbium; Helium; Laser excitation; Laser theory; Laser transitions; Laser tuning; Phonons; Pump lasers; Resonance;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
