Efficient Er:YAG laser operating at 1645 and 1617 nm

A 1534-nm fiber laser pumped Er:YAG laser action at room temperature has been demonstrated with high efficiency at two emission wavelengths: 1645 and 1617 nm. Multiwatt continuous-wave power was demonstrated at both wavelengths and active electrooptic Q-switch operation with >90% Q-switch efficiency was achieved at 1645 nm. Etalon tuned wavelength selection showed excellent agreement with theoretical analysis.