Tunability of a 2 um TmHo laser

摘要

In this paper we show that 2 $mu@m Tm$+3$PLU$/:Ho$+3$PLU$/ silica fiber lasers have promising properties for applications in laser medicine and in lidar applications. 2 $mu@m lasers are interesting for measurements in the atmosphere since in this range there are several absorption lines of water vapor. 2 $mu@m lasers can be used for lidar applications if their wavelength can be controlled. In contrast to crystal lasers glass fiber lasers can be tuned continuously over a range of about 80 nm. The excitation can be performed in a wide range of pump wavelengths and with different geometrical arrangements. With Ti:sapphire pumping a laser output of 71 mW with a slope efficiency of 17.5 percent has been reached. The possibility of side-pumping together with the development of fibers with lower losses will allow to reach the power levels that are necessary for the mentioned applications.