12.3-W output power and 271-nm wavelength tunability of diode-double-end-pumped Tm:CALYO laser

We report on the recent progress on high-power and broadband wavelength tunability of diode-pumped Tm: CaYAlO4 (Tm:CALYO) lasers. Using a double-end pumping geometry, we have achieved a maximum output power of 12.36 W at 1938 nm, which is believed to be the highest power that have ever achieved for Tm:CALYO lasers. Moreover, we have operated 1861 nm, 1982 nm and 2032 nm lasers with maximum output powers of 8.73 W, 5.36 W and 0.73 W, respectively, by using differently coated end-face cavity mirrors. Furthermore, using a MgF2 birefringent filter, we have tuned the lasing wavelengths from 1807 nm to 2078 nm. The 271 nm wavelength range is also believed to be the broadest tunability for Tm:CALYO lasers. Passively Q-switched Tm: CALYO laser has also been demonstrated with a maximum average output power of 3.81 W. The shortest pulse width reached 25.9 ns at a repetition rate of 10.1 kHz, which led to a pulse energy of 377.22 mu J and a peak power of 14.56 kW. These results indicate clearly that the Tm:CALYO crystal is excellent as a high-power and broad-band laser gain medium operating at the important 2 mu m wavelength region.

Automated summary

We report on the recent progress in high-power and broadband wavelength tunability of diode-pumped Tm:CALYO lasers. The use of different pumping geometries and cavity mirrors resulted in higher output powers and wider tunability of the laser wavelengths. Passive Q-switching was also demonstrated, showing shorter pulse widths and higher peak powers.