Abstract

Recent advances in Mid-Infrared (MIR) tunable lasers open new possibilities for detection / analysis of chemical species in the laboratory and by the use of remote sensing techniques in the field. Lasers for these applications vary by system defined operating parameters such as: energy output, pulse repetition rate, spectral emission / tunability, linewidth, and compact reliable platform mounted architectures. Solid-state lasers comprising of optical parametric oscillators (OPO) using ZnGeP₂ and AgGaSe₂ non-linear optical crystals driven by 2-micron Tm₂Ho:YLF pump lasers, are an attractive method for the generation of efficient tunable MIR radiation spanning the wavelength ranges of 2.6 to 12 microns. Providing systems which can operate at high repetition rates (4-20kHz), high average power (2.4W, 3-to-5 microns) [1], or low repetition rate (<60Hz) systems with capabilities of energy output in the 15mJ region (2 microns). We describe two MIR diode-end-pumped laser systems: one a high repetition rate OPO / 2-micron laser, and the other a laser-diode pulse-pumped 2-micron laser operating at low repetition rate / high peak power per pulse (60Hz / 1.25MW) designed to drive an OPO for >500KW of pulsed output.

© 1994 Optical Society of America