Source of tunable radiation based on Ti^3+:Al_2O_3 crystals pumped by a copper-vapor laser

Abstract

A source of tunable coherent radiation based on the use of Ti(3+):Al(2)O(3) crystals pumped by Cu-vapor laser radiation is studied experimentally. This source is promising for applications to atmospheric sensing as well as for use in applied optics and spectroscopy studies. Energy, kinetic, spectral, and spatial characteristics of lasing in nonselective and selective cavities and in the master oscillator power amplifier system are measured. Based on the latter scheme an experimental model of the source is developed. It permits continuously tunable radiation to be obtained in two spectral regions, i.e., within the fundamental band from 680 to 980 nm with a maximum average output power of ~2.6 W and in its second harmonic range from 340 to 490 nm with a maximum average output power of 450 mW. The linewidth of the emission is ~2 pm everywhere in the operating wavelength ranges, and the beam divergence is close to that of the diffraction. The pulse repetition rate is 5 kHz. A further increase in the output power is possible.