CW diode pumped Er, Yb, Ce:CAS single crystal 1.5 μm laser

Crystal growth, spectroscopic investigations and laser characterization of Er3+, Yb3+, and Ce3+ co-doped Ca2Al2SiO7 (CAS) crystal were realized. The Er3+-Yb3+ energy transfer efficiency in CAS crystal was found to be around 75-78%. 275 mW of CW power at 1555 nm was demonstrated for the first time with a single crystal under diode pumping. The achieved differential slope efficiency was closed to 10%. Er3+, Yb3+, Ce3+: CAS appears as one of the most promising crystalline hosts for 1.5 mu m laser emission, when compared to other crystals of the literature.