title: Efficient continuous-wave frequency doubling of a tunable CO(2) laser in AgGaSe(2).
abstract: Second-harmonic output at 4.6-5.5 mum of the order of 6 mW with a 0.12% external conversion efficiency has been obtained by pumping a AgGaSe(2) crystal with a low-power cw CO(2) laser. The surface damage threshold of AgGaSe(2) for cw radiation was found to be inside the limit of 33-45 kW/cm(2) in the 9.2-10.8-mum wavelength region. Another important limitation of the pump power connected with a thermal lensing effect in crystal was determined experimentally. A comparison was made of AgGaSe(2) and ZnGeP(2) crystals as materials suitable for the efficient generation of the second harmonic of cw CO(2) laser radiation.
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Tochitsky
authors.forename: V O
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Petukhov
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Gorobets
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Churakov
authors.forename: V N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Jakimovich