High-power and high-efficiency short wavelength operation of a Tm:YLF laser at 183 μm

A high-power and high-efficiency diode-end-pumped Tm:YLF laser at 1.83 μm is demonstrated for the first time, to our best knowledge. To make the laser operate at 1.83 μm, a simple way of controlling the transmittance of the output coupler is used, and the criteria of the transmittance of the output coupler at the emission peaks of Tm:YLF are theoretically analyzed, which are verified by experimental results. Based on the theoretical analysis, laser oscillation at only 1.83 μm is realized. Maximum output power at 1833 nm is 8.5 W with corresponding slope efficiency of 53.4% regarding absorbed pump power. In addition, tunability of this laser from 1827 nm to 1837 nm is obtained. Laser beam quality at 1833 nm is measured to be 1.4 at maximum output power. The achieved laser performance represents considerable improvement compared to any other bulk laser emitting around 1.83 μm.