Efficient CW diode-pumped Tm, Ho:YLF laser with tunability near 2.067 mu m

A conversion efficiency of 42% and slope efficiency of approximately 60% relative to absorbed pump power are reported from a continuous wave diode-pumped Tm, Ho:YLF laser at 2 mu m with output power of 84 mW at sub-ambient temperatures. The emission spectrum is etalon tunable over a range of 16 cm/sup -1/ centered on 2.067 mu m, with fine tuning capability of the transition frequency with crystal temperature at a measured rate of approximately -0.03 cm/sup -1/-K/sup -1/. The effective emission cross section is measured to be 5*10/sup -21/ cm/sup 2/. These and other aspects of the laser performance are discussed in the context of calculated atmospheric absorption characteristics in this spectral region and potential use in remote sensing applications.<
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