Passive laser Q-switches based on MeF2:Nd2+ (Me-Ca, Sr, Ba) crystals

Tasoltan T. Basiev; Sergey B. Mirov; S. A. Sychev

doi:10.1117/12.131772

19 November 1992 Passive laser Q-switches based on MeF2:Nd²⁺ (Me-Ca, Sr, Ba) crystals

Tasoltan T. Basiev, Sergey B. Mirov, S. A. Sychev

Proceedings Volume 1839, Solid State Lasers and New Laser Materials; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.131772
Event: XIV International Conference on Coherent and Nonlinear Optics, 1991, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

We present the results of investigations of nonlinear absorption in alkaline-earth fluoride crystals containing divalent neodymium ions, and also the results of utilizing these crystals for passive Q-switching and mode-locking in solid state lasers radiating in the wavelength range (1.3 - 1.6) micrometers . Spectroscopic parameters of the studied materials such as the effective absorption cross-section and the relaxation time of the state of self-induced transparency (SIT) were estimated. The nature of the residual absorption was determined in these crystals and a simple spectroscopic model describing the SIT process in MeF₂:Nd²⁺-crystals is offered. It is demonstrated that MeF₂:Nd²⁺-crystals can be used as Q- switches for the lasers of the near IR wavelength range. The results of Q-switching of neodymium and erbium lasers generating in the ranges of 1.3 and 1.54 micrometers , respectively, are presented. The single-peak generation regime and generation of a train of modulated pulses are investigated. The use of SrF₂:Nd²⁺-crystals allowed us to realize the mode-locked regime in YAG:Nd-crystal laser, operating on the transition ⁴F_3/2 yields ⁴I_13/2. Evaluation of the duration of peaks gives the time less than 400 psec.

Citation Download Citation

Tasoltan T. Basiev, Sergey B. Mirov, and S. A. Sychev "Passive laser Q-switches based on MeF2:Nd²⁺ (Me-Ca, Sr, Ba) crystals", Proc. SPIE 1839, Solid State Lasers and New Laser Materials, (19 November 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.131772

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