Open AccessDirect Comparison of Yb^3+:CaF_2 and heavily doped Yb^3+:YLF as laser media at room temperature
Author(s) -
Angela Pirri,
Daniele Alderighi,
Guido Toci,
Matteo Vannini,
M. Nikl,
Hiroki Sato
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.018312
Subject(s) - lasing threshold , materials science , laser , slope efficiency , optics , crystal (programming language) , absorption (acoustics) , doping , continuous wave , optoelectronics , ytterbium , diode , laser pumping , fiber laser , wavelength , physics , computer science , composite material , programming language
We report an extensive comparison of the laser performances of diode-pumped Yb(3+):YLF (30% at.) and Yb(3+):CaF(2) (5% at.) crystals, lasing at room-temperature and operating in two different operation mode, i.e. Continuous Wave (CW) and quasi-CW. An in-depth investigation of the crystals behavior by changing the pump power, clearly shows the crystal absorption depends on the lasing conditions. Therefore, we report an unambiguous definition of the slope efficiency calculated taken into account the real measured crystal absorption under laser action. Finally, we present a study of problems related to thermally induced losses which are expected influencing the laser performance.