Demonstration of a compact, multi-joule, diode-pumped Tm:YLF laser

We report the demonstration of a diode-pumped Tm:YLF laser operating at 1.88 mu m that produces pulse energies up to 3.88 J in 20 ns. The compact system consists of a Q-switched cavity-dumped oscillator generating 18 mJ pulses, which are then amplified in a four-pass power amplifier. Energies up to 38.1 J were obtained with long-pulse amplifier operation. These results illustrate the high energy storage and extraction capabilities of diode-pumped Tm:YLF, opening the path to high peak and average power mid-infrared solid-state lasers. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the high pulse energy generation capability of a diode-pumped Tm:YLF laser at 1.88 μm wavelength, opening new research paths for mid-infrared solid-state lasers.