Abstract

To date, estimates of Raman gain in CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) diamond have been based on measurements of threshold, either for stimulated Raman scattering or of a simple Raman laser resonator. For a pump wavelength of 1 μm, the Raman gain coefficient was estimated to be >12.5 cm/GW [1]. The high optical damage threshold and excellent thermo-optical properties of diamond make it attractive for Raman conversion in the 1.1-1.5 μm spectral range. Therefore, it is important to more accurately determine the Raman gain coefficient to allow for improved Raman laser design. An alternative and more direct approach to Raman gain measurements is the pump-probe technique [2]. In this study, Raman gain in single-crystal CVD diamond is measured using this method, and a high-power continuous-wave diamond Raman laser is demonstrated.

© 2011 Optical Society of America