Generation of watt level mid-infrared wavelengths using intra-cavity ZnGeP2 OPO within a 2.1µm Ho:YAG laser

L. H. Tan; P. B. Phua

doi:10.1117/12.876248

21 February 2011 Generation of watt level mid-infrared wavelengths using intra-cavity ZnGeP₂ OPO within a 2.1µm Ho:YAG laser

L. H. Tan, P. B. Phua

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7917, Nonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications X; 79170O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.876248
Event: SPIE LASE, 2011, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We report on watt level mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength generation using intra-cavity ZnGeP₂ (ZGP) optical parametrical oscillator (OPO) within a 2.1μm Ho:YAG laser. A compact cavity of less than 50cm was designed for the intra-cavity OPO setup. With the same laser setup, watt level of both 2.1μm and MIR wavelengths were generated. An average output power of >20W of 2.1μm and >1W of MIR wavelength at 10 KHz repetition rate were achieved from a 46W Tm fiber pump laser. The Ho:YAG laser was resonantly pumped by a 1.9μm Tm:fiber laser and nanosecond pulses were generated using an electro-optics q-switch modulator. With the use of a λ/4 waveplate and a thin film polarizer, a variable output coupler for the Ho:YAG laser was formed where we could optimize the output coupling to achieve 21W of 2.1μm wavelength. MIR wavelengths were generated using commercial ZGP crystals from Inrad. A HR mirror for the MIR wavelengths was inserted into the Ho:YAG cavity to form the intra-cavity ZGP OPO. The rear mirror of the Ho:YAG cavity act as the output coupler with R=70% for the MIR wavelengths. Optimizing of the MIR generation was done by tuning the phase-matching angle of the ZGP and adjusting the cavity length of the OPO. A preliminary result of the intra-cavity ZGP OPO generates >1W of MIR wavelength.

Citation Download Citation

L. H. Tan and P. B. Phua "Generation of watt level mid-infrared wavelengths using intra-cavity ZnGeP₂ OPO within a 2.1µm Ho:YAG laser", Proc. SPIE 7917, Nonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications X, 79170O (21 February 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.876248

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