Abstract

Operation of a CW infrared Ho laser at temperatures higher than 77 K would be of considerable practical importance. Recent spectroscopic studies of Er, Tm, Ho doped YLF laser crystals^[1] suggested us a way to improve the high-temperature efficiency of an Ar-pumped 2µm Ho: YLF laser. The experimental results showed that an increase in the Ho concentration in the host reduces the effect of the upconversion losses at higher temperatures. Thus we tried a crystal with a concentration six times larger (1.7% vs 0.3%).

© 1992 IQEC