Abstract

We have recently obtained a formula for the saturation of absorption on the ³H₆-³H₄ pump band of the 2μm Tm³⁺ laser taking into account upconversion loss from the ³F₄ upper laser level. This formula was successfully applied to the analysis of saturation data taken on the Tm:YVO₄ crystal.¹ In this paper we discuss some general features of pump saturation for the 2μm Tm³⁺ laser. Additionally, we provide some numerically generated curves which are useful for estimating upconversion rate constants in such laser systems.

© 1993 Optical Society of America