Optical properties and efficient laser oscillation at 2066 nm of novel Tm:Lu sub(2)O sub(3) ceramics

• Published in: Optical materials express Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 183 - 189
• Main Authors: Antipov, O L, Novikov, A A, Zakharov, NG, Zinoviev, AP
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-02-2012
• Subjects: Ceramics; Diodes; Grain size; Lasers; Luminescence; Optical properties; Optical pumping; Oscillations
• ISSN: 2159-3930; 2159-3930

Structural, optical, and spectroscopic properties of novel Tm super(3+):Lu sub(2)O sub(3) ceramics are studied. The average grain size is determined to be similar to 0.54-0.56 mu m. The absorption spectra show good opportunities for diode pumping at 796 nm and 811 nm. The ceramics have high mid-IR transmittance of up to 7 mu m. Strong luminescence lines are measured at 1942 nm, 1965 nm, and 2066 nm. CW laser operation at 2066 nm with an output power of up to 26 W and a slope efficiency of 42% is obtained. Q-switched operation with a pulse duration of 100-150 ns and a repetition rate of 5-10 kHz is achieved.