Tm,Ho:KLu(WO_4)_2 laser mode-locked near 2 μm by single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

We demonstrate passive mode-locking of a Tm,Ho-codoped crystalline laser operating on the Ho³⁺-ion transition ⁵I₇→⁵I₈ near 2 µm using a single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber. The Tm,Ho:KLu(WO₄)₂ laser emits nearly transform-limited pulses with duration of 2.8 ps at a repetition rate of 91 MHz. The output power amounts to 97 mW.

Microchip laser operation of Tm,Ho:KLu(WO_4)_2 crystal

“…Only recently, with improved modematching, the output power of the Ho laser under both Ti:Sapphire and diode-pumping was substantially increased reaching the watt-level at 2060 nm [10] with tuning covering 180 nm at the zero level. Picosecond pulse generation in Tm,Ho:KLuW laser was also reported [11]. So far, the potential of Tm,Ho:KLuW for compact microchip lasers has not been studied, as already done with other hosts.…”

Watt-Level Diode-End-Pumped Self-Mode-Locked Tm,Ho:LLF Laser

“…To date, 2 µm ultrafast pulse lasers based on Tm 3+ , Ho 3+ co-doped materials have been realized by using actively and passively mode-locked methods [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. In comparison with the actively mode-locked method, the passively mode-locked method of solid-state lasers possesses the advantages of compactness, low cost, reliability, and simplicity in operation.…”

“…In comparison with the actively mode-locked method, the passively mode-locked method of solid-state lasers possesses the advantages of compactness, low cost, reliability, and simplicity in operation. As a result, a considerable number of Tm 3+ , Ho 3+ co-doped passively modelocked lasers have been demonstrated using quantum wells [18], single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) [19][20][21], Cr:ZnS [22], graphene [23], and semiconductor saturable absorption mirror (SESAM) [9,10,[24][25][26][27] as the saturable absorbers (SAs). Nevertheless, the low damage threshold (quantum wells, SWCNT, graphene) and difficulty in manufacturing processes (SESAM) limit the application prospects of Tm 3+ , Ho 3+ co-doped passively mode-locked lasers.…”

Stable pulse output of a diode-pumped Tm:YAP laser based on the longitudinal mode beating effect

“…2 µm pulse lasers have been widely applied in coherent Doppler wind lidars, differential absorption lidars, and nonlinear frequency conversion [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Generally, the 2 µm pulse laser can be generated through an active or passive modulation technique such as Q-switching or mode-locking, which requires the placing of additional modulation elements in the resonator [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Self-pulsing is an efficient method for obtaining a pulse laser, which is simpler and lower in cost compared with other modulation methods, due to not requiring special modulation elements in the laser cavity.…”