CW laser operation of Nd:YLF
Abstract
CW laser operation of Nd:YLF is reported for the first time and, in a comparison to Nd:YAG, exhibits a lower threshold and higher single-mode average power. The TEM(00) mode volume of Nd:YLF was observed to be a factor of four larger than Nd:YAG, resulting in twice the TEM(00) mode average power. In comparative measurements the stimulated emission cross section of Nd:YLF was found to be 1.8 x 10 to the -19th sq cm for the pi oscillation and 1.2 x 10 to the -19th sq cm for the sigma oscillation, as compared to 2.4 x 10 to the -19th sq cm for Nd:YAG. The spectroscopic and lasing parameters of Nd:YLF indicate a potential for this material in high peak and average power Q-switched applications.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- February 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1109/JQE.1982.1071512
- Bibcode:
- 1982IJQE...18..159P
- Keywords:
-
- Continuous Wave Lasers;
- Fluorides;
- Laser Modes;
- Lithium Fluorides;
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Yttrium Compounds;
- High Power Lasers;
- Laser Materials;
- Lasing;
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy;
- Performance Tests;
- Q Switched Lasers;
- Stimulated Emission;
- Yag Lasers;
- Lasers and Masers