Abstract

Continuous-wave tunable laser operation all-solid-state Cr⁴⁺:Mg₂SiO₄ (Cr:forsterite) and Cr⁴⁺:Ca₂GeO₄ (Cunyite) has been demonstrated. A master oscillator power amplifier semiconductor diode laser was utilized to pump both Cnforsterite and Cunyite. Diode-pumped Cnforsterite was tunable over the 1236-1300-nm spectral range, generating a maximum output of 10 mW at 1260 nm for 640 mW of pump power absorbed by the crystal. Diode-pumped Cunyite was also demonstrated. A maximum output power of 20mW was measure at 1420 nm and the observed tuning range was 1390–1473. A fiber laser was also used to pump Cunyite. A maximum output power of 240 mW was measure from the Cunyite laser for 2.6 W absorbed pump power.

© 1998 Optical Society of America