Abstract

A new approach to developing efficient tunable visible solid state lasers is demonstrated. Broadband tunability in the yellow-red region is obtained using intra-cavity second harmonic generation of gain-switched Cr:forstente lasers in KTP. Tunable lasers in this region are attractive for remote sensing, dermatology and isotope separation. The devices described here provide an alternative to solid state dye lasers and OPOs which are limited by short operating lifetimes and strict spatio-temporal pump laser tolerances, respectively. The 1150-1350 nm wavelength range of Cr:forsterite is well-suited for frequency-doubling to the red-yellow region. Second harmonic generation of femtosecond forsterite pulses has previously been reported¹ but, to our knowledge, characterisation of efficient frequency doubling has not been carried out for gain switched pulses.

© 1998 IEEE