Few-layer Bi2Se3-based passively Q-switched Pr:YLF visible lasers

We report on diode-pumped Q-switched Pr:YLF lasers at deep red similar to 721 nm, red similar to 640 nm and orange similar to(607+604) nm, using a few-layer Bi2Se3 saturable absorber. The narrowest pulse widths, maximum pulse energies and pulse peak powers have been achieved to be about (368 ns, 0.17 mu J, 0.46 W), (210 ns, 0.16 mu J, 0.73 W) and (263 ns, 0.19 mu J, 0.71 W), respectively for the three wavelengths. This work reveals that Bi2Se3 is a promising saturable absorber for visible solid-state lasers. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.