Continuous wave infrared laser action, self-frequency doubling, and tunability of Yb3+:MgO:LiNbO3

The laser performance of the nonlinear Yb3+:MgO:LiNbO3 crystal is assessed under Ti:sapphire laser pumping. Spectral properties related to infrared laser action such as the emission and absorption cross sections have been evaluated. Different crystallographic configurations have been used. Laser oscillation in the near infrared region has been observed along the crystallographic c axis and along the type I phase matching direction for infrared to green generation. High slope efficiency in the infrared region (62%) and the possibility of low laser thresholds (14.7 mW) are demonstrated. By using a birefringent filter, broadband tuning from 1030 to 1070 nm is obtained in this system. In addition, 58 mW of green power by self-frequency doubling of infrared laser emission is achieved, revealing the potential of LiNbO3:MgO as a self-frequency-doubling material. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021- 8979(00)03109-1].