Gain-switched Ho:YAG ceramic laser with an acousto-optic modulator

Abstract

We demonstrate a gain-switched Ho:YAG ceramic laser in-band pumped by an acousto-optically modulated thulium fiber laser at ∼1908 nm. The laser pulse repetition rate could be tuned continuously from 60 to 100 kHz with the pulse energy kept constant for a certain pump power level. The shortest pulse width of 204 ns and a maximum peak power of 75 W have been obtained at 60 kHz under the maximum pump power level of 11 W. A maximum average output power of 1.4 W has been achieved with a pulse repetition rate of 100 kHz, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 57% with respect to the incident pump power. The prospects for further improvement in laser performance are discussed.