1.96-μm Tm:YAG Ceramic Laser

We have demonstrated an efficient diode-end-pumped continuous-wave Tm:YAG ceramic laser at 1962 nm using a compact two-mirror cavity. The laser oscillation at 1962 nm was realized by increasing the cavity loss at 2016 nm to limit oscillation with the strongest laser gain. For comparison, two different output couplers were used to build single wavelength lasers operating at 1962 and 2016 nm. A laser output power of 2.06 W at 1962 nm was achieved for an absorbed pump power of 6.59 W with the laser ceramic temperature maintained at 15 °C. The corresponding slope efficiency and conversion efficiency were calculated to be 37.8% and 31.3%, respectively. In contrast, the maximum output power at 2016 nm was approximately 3.47 W under the same conditions. The 1962 nm laser has potential application in the analysis of CO2 and HBr molecular gases.