<title>Investigations of optical and generation properties of strongly doped erbium laser glasses (SELG) designed for 1.5 μm microchip lasers</title>

Abstract

The paper describes the results of spectroscopic and generation investigations of SELG glasses with different concentrations of dopants for high-average power diode-pumped eye-safe microchip lasers. Transmission spectra of the laser glasses was measured and absorption coefficient calculated. The generation was carried out in two regimes: cw and quasi-cw. Up to 150mW of output power with slop efficiency 16% was achieved for cw generation and up to 300 mW of peak power with slop efficiency 19,4% for quasi-cw generation and duty-cycle 50%.

Comparison of cw laser generation in Er3+, Yb3+: glass microchip lasers with different types of glasses

“…Peaks of absorption at 976 nm relate to the 2 F 7/2 ® 2 F 5/2 transition in Yb 3+ ions. The absorption coefficient is higher for concentrated glasses (32 cm -1 for 975 nm) [5] than for SELG glasses (22 cm -1 for 975 nm) [6], while for EAT14 glass it is 16 cm -1 . The curves of the absorption coefficient for the investigated samples are presented in Fig.…”

“…One of them is concentrated Yb−Er laser glass (GLASS) with concentration of ytterbium ions as high as 4.2×10 21 cm -3 [5]. The other one is strong erbium laser glass (SELG), especially deve− loped for microchip laser applications and characterized by enhanced thermal damage threshold [6]. These glasses have thermo−mechanical properties of silicate glasses as well as high generation efficiency of phosphate glasses.…”

Practical application of pulsed “eye-safe” microchip laser to laser rangefinders

“…There are many papers dealing with different active media and saturable absorbers meant for "eye−safe" microchip lasers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The scientists put a lot of effort into develop− ing a more effective microchip laser with the maximum power or energy in the shortest possible pulse.…”

Stand-off detection of alcohol in car cabins

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] At the same time, many new developments in lasers that can be used in this application has been achieved in recent years. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Thus, many devices based on this technology were presented in laboratories as well as applied to civil industry, environmental protection, and military. Simultaneously, stand-off detection of alcohol in moving cars draws more and more attention of scientists as well as institutions responsible for safety on the roads, [13][14][15][16] who are aware of the fact that effective detection of drivers under the influence of alcohol would significantly reduce the number of fatal car accidents.…”