title: Thin crystal, room-temperature Cr(4+):forsterite laser using near-infrared pumping.
abstract: We describe a new design for chromium-doped forsterite lasers based on near-IR (700-800-nm) pumping of a thin (3-mm) crystal. In contrast with pumping at 1.06 microm, near-IR pumping permits the use of shorter crystal lengths, which enable one to develop compact and diode-pumped laser geometries. Near-IR pumping also results in an increased effective figure of merit and tuning performance. Using a Ti:Al(2)O(3) pump laser, we investigated cw laser characteristics over a range of pump wavelengths compatible with diode pumping. Room-temperature cw operation with a tuning range of 1175 to 1375 nm was achieved. Kerr-lens mode-locked operation of this laser was also demonstrated with pulse durations of ~50 fs.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Golubovic
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Bouma
authors.forename: I P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Bilinsky
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
authors.forename: V P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Mikhailov