Non-stop signal achieved in high-power Erbium-doped mid-infrared lasers

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.

In addition, they demonstrated a LD side-pumped and electro-optical Q-switched Er,Pr:YAP laser with emission at 2.7 μm. A giant pulse laser was obtained with pulse energy of 20.5 mJ, pulse width of 61.4 ns, and peak power of 0.33 MW at the highest working frequency of 150 Hz.

These results indicate that the Er³⁺-doped YAP crystals are promising candidate for the high power and high frequency mid-infrared laser device, which possess great potential for the application of dental ablation surgery and OPO pump source.