Abstract

We have demonstrated a novel, low threshold, single frequency resonator for tunable solid state lasers, using Cr:forsterite and Ti:sapphire with excitation from harmonics of Q-switched Nd:YAG. To our knowledge this laser, which uses a recently- developed high dopant level forsterite cyrstal [1,2], is the first single-longitudinal-mode, pulsed solid- state laser source with broad-band tunability in the important 1150-1350nm wavelength range. With Ti:sapphire the resonator provides a lower threshold and lower risk of component damage than the more conventional grazing incidence laser[3]. The resonator can be used with other solid-state lasers such as Cr:YAG and with optical parametric oscillators (OPOs).

© 1996 Optical Society of America