[OPTICAL REVIEW Vol. 6, No. 5 (1999) 439-442]
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Diode-Pumped Tm:YAG Laser in Active Mirror Configuration
Cheng LI, Deyuan SHEN, Jie SONG, Nam Seong KIM and Ken-ichi UEDA
Institute for Laser Science, University of Electro-Communications, 1-5-1, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo, 182-8585 Japan
(Received March 15, 1999; Accepted June 25, 1999)
Based on the rate-equations of quasi-three-level lasers, we analyzed the threshold and the output power of longitudinally pumped Tm:YAG lasers in an active mirror configuration. In contrast to one-pass pumping, two-pass pumping in this configuration will result in a 24% decrease in threshold and 16% increase in slope efficiency. Using a 3-W diode-laser pumping in the active mirror configuration, we demonstrated a CW Tm:YAG laser and obtained 735 mW output power with a slope efficiency up to 49%. Using a Ti:sapphire laser to pump the same device, the threshold power was further reduced and the slope efficiency reached 59%.
Key words : solid-state lasers, Tm:YAG laser, diode-pumped lasers, active mirror.