title: High-average-power operation of a Q-switched diode-pumped holmium laser.
abstract: We have investigated high-peak- and high-average-power operation of diode-pumped, thulium-sensitized, holmium 2.1-microm lasers. Free-running laser powers of 14 W at 29 Hz have been demonstrated with 2.6% electrical efficiency. Q-switched operation produced average powers in excess of 11 W in a burst of short pulses. Preliminary optical parametric oscillator frequency conversion of the holmium laser to 4 microm is also reported.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bowman
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Lynn
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Searles
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Epp
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Quarles
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Riley