Abstract

Titanium sapphire is a scientific laser of unsurpassed utility. However, the pumping requirements – typically a bulky multiwatt frequency-doubled neodymium laser – do not lend themselves to applications beyond the laser laboratory. In this presentation, the design and demonstration of a compact directly diode-laser pumped Ti:sapphire laser will be described. In addition, the challenges associated with this approach will be discussed: the wavelength and power of suitable pump diodes; the compromise between doping density and loss in Ti:sapphire; and pump-induced parasitic absorption effects at the laser wavelength.

© 2009 IEEE