Lasing in diode-pumped Tm:YAP, Tm,Ho:YAP and Tm,Ho:YLF (original) (raw)

A comparison of the room-temperature operation of continuous wave Tm:YAP, Tm,Ho:YAP and Tm,Ho:YLF lasers is reported. A conversion efficiency from absorbed pump power to laser output of 42% was demonstrated in Tm:YAP, compared to 14% in Tm,Ho:YAP and 30% in Tm,Ho:YLF. Tm:YAP was observed to operate multiline in the range 1.965 to 2.020 mm, whereas the holmium lasers operated on a single transition. The markedly different temporal behaviour of the single and double-doped crystals is analysed and discussed. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.