U3+ Solid-State Lasers [Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers (2-3 Microns)]

The primary objective of this program involved the development of diode pumpable sources which could serve as the driver for a mid IR optical parametric amplifier. The present state-of-the-art is the diode-pumped Q- switched Nd:YAG at 1.06 microns. The development of longer wavelength drivers was mandated by the need for improved efficiency in mid IR OPO's. The most promising candidate laser appeared to be the Er:YAG room temperature laser at 1. 64 microns. The development of diodes operating at the required pump wavelength for this laser indicated that diode pumping was feasible. The work performed utilized an Er:glass laser at 1.53 micron as a pump source. Characterization of Er:YAG laser action with this pump source can be used to model the diode pumped version of this laser.