Abstract

Mid-infrared Q-switched laser radiation around λ ~ 2 μm is important in material processing and numerous medical applications. However, in order to transmit pulse energies > 50 mJ it is advantageous to stretch the pulse duration towards the μs time regime to prevent fiber damage at high irradiances. Due to high life time of the upper laser level of about 10 ms, Q-switched thulium and holmium lasers are promising candidates to generate μs-strechted pulsed radiation with required energy.

© 2009 IEEE