Abstract

We are currently developing a 2-μm laser for various lidar applications, including clear-air-turbulence detection. We have recently demonstrated efficient operation of a Tm,Ho:YLF laser pumped by a 20-W fiber-coupled cw-laser-diode array We have obtained ~6 mJ of Q-switched pulse energy at repetition rates of 50–200 Hz, and we have obtained over 3 mJ at a 1-kHz repetition rate. In cw operation we have obtained over 4.5 W of power. In all cases the lasing mode was TEM₀₀.

© 1995 Optical Society of America