Efficient 1620 nm continuous-wave laser operation of Czochralski grown Er:Yb:Lu2Si2O7 crystal

Efficient continuous-wave diode-pumped laser operation of Czochralski grown Er:Yb:Lu2Si2O7 crystal is reported. Polarized absorption and emission spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and energy transfer efficiency from Yb3+ to Er3+ were determined. A maximal output power of 522 mW was achieved at 1620 nm with slope efficiency of 15.8% and absorbed pump threshold of 470 mW. Among the Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped materials with long fluorescence lifetimes of the upper level I-4(13/2), which are candidates for gain media of pulsed laser around 1.55 mu m with high energy, comprehensive performance of the Er: Yb: Lu2Si2O7 crystal is the best till now. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America