Diode — Pumped Efficient Cryogenic Yb:Y2O3 Transparent Ceramic Laser

Cryogenically cooled diode-pumped solid-state lasers have gained significant attention among laser community for power scaling along with excellent spatial beam quality. This is due to the suppression of thermo-optic distortions and enhancement in spectroscopic properties of the laser material at such low temperatures [1]. To date, to develop lasers of this kind, Yb:YAG was mainly used as the active material because of ease of availability in the market and ease of pumping using commercially available laser diodes. One of the cubic sesquioxides, Yb³⁺ doped Y₂O₃ in ceramic form is a promising material for high-power solid state lasers because of its superior thermal, mechanical and optical properties compared to that of Yb:YAG [2]. Here we report the laser performance of Yb:Y₂O₃ transparent ceramic at cryogenic temperatures using a VBG stabilized laser diode as a pump source.