Abstract

A modified all-solid-state optical cryocooler prototype based on anti-Stokes fluorescence in a 10%-doped Yb:YLF crystal cooled a payload to temperatures below 125 K starting from room temperature. To achieve this record performance, the optical refrigerator employed a novel, to the best of our knowledge, textured-MgF₂ thermal link to improve the thermal transport and fluorescence escape. Additionally, it used spectrally selective, high-reflection coatings in the pump circulator cavity to suppress parasitic lasing and amplified spontaneous emission.

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Optical refrigeration to 119 K, below National Institute of Standards and Technology cryogenic temperature

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Open-aperture Z-scan study for absorption saturation: accurate measurement of saturation intensity in YLF:Yb for optical refrigeration

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Solid-state laser cooling in Yb:CaF₂ and Yb:SrF₂ by anti-Stokes fluorescence

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