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Nd:YAG Laser Extended to >2 μm by Stimulated Raman Scattering

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Abstract

We present an approach which efficiently generates 2.148 μm energy through Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of a 1.064 μm Nd:YAG laser. This approach uses the mature Nd:YAG technology to generate a 2 μm source with efficiencies greater than or equal to other solid state 2 μm sources. Using rotational Raman scattering, an energy conversion efficiency of 61% to the 1.135 μm line was obtained. With vibrational Raman scattering a conversion efficiency of 50% to 1.91 μm was measured. This is equivalent to a quantum conversion efficiency of 90%. The two techniques were combined to generate 2.15 μm from the 1.06 μm pump by sequentially performing a rotational Raman shift followed by a vibrational Raman shift. We have experimentally achieved 11.5% conversion efficiency from 1.064 μm to 2.148 μm, equivalent to a quantum efficiency of 23%. Our experimental results indicate that, with an optimized configuration, between 30 and 40% conversion efficiency to the 2.15 μm should be achievable. With the advent of diode pumped Nd:YAG lasers with wallplug efficiencies up to 10%, this corresponds to wallplug efficiencies of 3-4% at 2.15 μm. This result compares favorably with holmium and thulium sources currently available which are at a much less mature level of engineering development. The 2.15 μm output will provide a suitable source for generation of 3-5 μm energy through OPO or further Raman conversion.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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