Theoretical modeling of diode-laser-pumped 3-um Er3+ crystal lasers

Mark Tikerpae; Stuart D. Jackson; Terence A. King

doi:10.1117/12.273682

2 May 1997 Theoretical modeling of diode-laser-pumped 3-μm Er³+ crystal lasers

Mark Tikerpae, Stuart D. Jackson, Terence A. King

Proceedings Volume 2989, Modeling and Simulation of Higher-Power Laser Systems IV; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.273682
Event: Photonics West '97, 1997, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We present results from a theoretical model that has been developed to simulate the 3-micrometer laser transition in Er³⁺ doped Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG), Y₂Sc₂Ga₃O₁₂ (YSGG), LiYF₄ (YLF) and BaY₂F₈ (BaYF) host crystals. The rate equations for the lowest seven energy levels of Er³⁺ were solved numerically and laser action was simulated under cw, gain-switched (pulse pumped) and Q-switched operation with optical pumping at wavelengths of 975 nm and 795 nm. The relative performance of each laser crystal was compared under identical pumping and cavity conditions to establish the optimum crystal host, doping concentration and pump wavelength for each mode of operation. Some unexpected saturation effects were investigated that could limit the maximum practical pump fluence used for high energy Q-switched systems. We investigate possible additional multi-ion energy transfer processes that may cause the decrease in efficiency that is observed experimentally at high Er³⁺ ion concentrations. In addition, lower laser level deactivation by co-doping with Pr³⁺ in BaYF was simulated and compared with singly doped Er:BaYF for a range of Er³⁺ and Pr³⁺ concentrations. It was found that co-doping was not as effective as the cooperative upconversion process present in singly doped Er³⁺ crystals for efficient laser operation.

Citation Download Citation

Mark Tikerpae, Stuart D. Jackson, and Terence A. King "Theoretical modeling of diode-laser-pumped 3-μm Er³+ crystal lasers", Proc. SPIE 2989, Modeling and Simulation of Higher-Power Laser Systems IV, (2 May 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.273682

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