Continuous broadband tunable Pr3+:LiYF4 laser in the near-infrared spectral range

We report an InGaN laser diodes (LDs) pumped continuously broadband tunable Pr3+:LiYF4 (Pr:YLF) laser in the near-infrared spectra range. The composite energy levels (3P0,1,1I6) are used as the laser's upper energy level. As absorbed pumped power is about 9 W at 444 nm, the laser continuous tuning range for pi-and sigma-polarizations cover 855 nm to 931 nm (width of 77 nm) and 850 nm to 912 nm (width of 63 nm), respectively. Meanwhile, the output powers of the wavelength at the strong emission cross-sections reached the watt level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first continuous laser tuning around the 900 nm spectra range by using LD-pumping Pr:YLF crystal, and the widest continuous tuning range and highest tuning power have been obtained to date. Thirteen new wavelengths from 850 to 862 nm were also realized for the first time in Pr:YLF crystal.

Automated summary

We present a continuously broadband tunable Pr3+:LiYF4 (Pr:YLF) laser in the near-infrared spectra range pumped by InGaN laser diodes (LDs). The upper energy level of the laser utilizes composite energy levels (3P0,1,1I6). The laser achieves a continuous tuning range of 855 nm to 931 nm (width of 77 nm) for pi-polarization and 850 nm to 912 nm (width of 63 nm) for sigma-polarization, with absorbed pumped power of approximately 9 W at 444 nm. The laser also demonstrates the highest tuning power and widest continuous tuning range to date, with the ability to generate thirteen new wavelengths in the Pr:YLF crystal.