Small-signal gain investigations for a continuous-wave diode-pumped Q-switched Cr:LiSAF laser.
We measured small-signal gain in a cw diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF and showed that upconversion and thermal quenching of fluorescence strongly limit small-signal gain. Then we optimized the gain in a Cr:LiSAF laser pumped by two 400-mW red diodes. In Q-switched operation, this laser produced tunable nanosecond pulses between 800 and 900 nm. At 850 nm, we obtained 230-ns pulses with an energy of 6.5 microJ at a repetition rate of 10 kHz.
Falcoz
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Kerboull
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Druon
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Balembois
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Georges
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Brun
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