Development of an LD-Pumped Tm: YAG Eye-Safe Laser

Abstract

We have studied the lasing characteristics of a Tm: YAG laser pumped by a laser diode. The maximum output power of 157 mW and a slope efficiency of 44 % were achieved for a 3% Tm: YAG laser crystal at a crystal temperature of -10°C. A small signal gain and a saturation parameter of the 3% Tm: YAG laser were calculated by using the output power as a function of the reflectivity of a coupling mirror. The lasing spectrum shifted towerd short wavelengths from 2.01 mm and the width of the lasing spectrum decreased with decreasing temperature.