Continuous-wave and mode-locking operation of Tm:YAP lasers near 1.8 μm. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Na, Quanxin; Xu, Changwen; Chen, Hao; Yin, Jinde; Wang, Jintao; Yu, Yang; Yang, Junbo; Wang, Lei; Yan, Peiguang; Ruan, Shuangchen
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 142(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Laser mode locking -- Solid lasers -- Ultrafast lasers; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2021.107225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: The high output power at 1.8 μm could be achieved from a Tm:YAP laser. The polarizations of the laser beams at 1.82 μm and 1.84 μm are orthogonal. The 1.82 μm is the shortest wavelength achieved from a CWML Tm-doped bulk laser. Abstract: We have experimentally demonstrated both 1.82 μm and 1.84 μm Tm:YAP lasers at the operation mode of continuous-wave (CW) and mode-locking. These individual wavelength lasers are realized by using well-chosen output couplers. For the CW operation, a short Fabry-Perot cavity is employed. The maximum output power of the 1825 nm Tm:YAP laser is 7.04 W, and the corresponding slope efficiency is 59.3%. For 1844 nm Tm:YAP laser, the output power is 7.1 W. A commercial semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is used for realizing continuous-wave mode-locking (CWML) operation. The average output power of Tm:YAP laser at 1823.7 nm is 0.3 W, and the pulse duration is 126 ps. Further, stable CWML laser operating at 1844 nm is realized by inserting a 5 mm fused-quartz plate into the cavity with the Brewster angle. The average output power of 0.63 W is achieved, and the pulse duration is 156 ps.