3 μm laser performance of Ho:YAlO3 and Nd,Ho:YAlO3

A study of the 3- μm laser transitions in Ho:YAlO
₃
and Nd,Ho:YAlO
₃
using both flashlamp and laser pumping is discussed. Fluorescence measurements for the Nd,Ho:YAlO
₃
rod indicate that the neodymium is effective in quenching the lower holmium laser level and in sensitizing the upper level. Intracavity laser pumping of Ho:YAlO
₃
produced laser lines at 2.92 and 2.85 μm and demonstrated high efficiency.