The Mid-infrared lasers (MIR) with high peak power and high repetition rate operating in the range of 2.7~3 μm have important application in laser surgery and optical parametric oscillator (OPO).
A recent study conducted by Sun Dunlu’s research group at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) achieved high power, high efficiency and quasi-continuous mid-infrared laser in the free running and langasite [La3Ga5SiO14 (LGS)] Q-switched modes by using the Er3+ ions-doped YAP crystals as laser gain medium.
Based on their previous research work on laser, the researchers further improved the laser performance of Er:YAP laser crystal by laser-diode (LD) side-pumping method, a Er:YAP crystal rod with concave end-faces was used to compensate the thermal lensing effect. The maximum output powers of 26.75 W were achieved at 250 Hz, and 13.18 W at 1000 Hz, which is the highest working frequency in all the LD side-pumped Er-doped MIR laser so far.
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