Abstract

One of the key moments in obtaining efficient diode-pumped laser operation in Cr⁴⁺:YAG is the use of highly concentrated (15 cm⁻¹ initial absorption) crystals [1]. At higher concentrations the slow (tens of minutes) degradation of the output power, accompanied by the equally slow bleaching, was observed. The onset of this photoinduced anomalous absorption saturation is the main factor, limiting the pump absorption and energy extraction in the active medium.

© 2000 IEEE