Improved Ti:sapphire laser performance with new high figure of merit crystals

The continuous-wave (CW) laser performance of Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ crystals with high figure of merit is described. Using a 0.1% Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ crystal (FOM=1000), output powers of 3.5 W at 800 nm are obtained, pumping with a 9.6 W argon ion laser operating multiline. Continuous tunability of the CW Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laser extending from 665 to 1070 nm is also demonstrated for a 5 W pump power.<
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