Dual-band switched unidirectional Ho:YLF ring laser with wavelength tunability

Opt Express. 2021 Nov 8;29(23):37979-37986. doi: 10.1364/OE.443192.

Abstract

Tunable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) ring Ho:YLF laser with intra-cavity isolator is investigated for 2.05 µm and 2.06 µm band based on single resonator, which is realized dual-band SLM laser conversion by a polarizer. Up to 548 mW SLM power with beam quality factor M2 of 1.1 is achieved at wavelength of 2064.63 nm, and the corresponding slope efficiency is 26.7%. Wavelength tuning ranges from 2063.91 nm to 2065.71 nm and 2050.65nm to 2053.15nm can be demonstrated. The highest SLM power around P12 and R30 CO2 absorption peak of 2064.41 nm and 2050.96 nm are 540 mW and 500 mW, respectively. The power instability within 30 minutes is around 0.14%. As we know, dual-band switched Ho:YLF laser operation at SLM with wavelength tunability is reported for the first time for the potential application of CO2 differential absorption lidar.