Optimization of a 2.3 µm Yb:Tm:YLF laser, pumped at 685 nm and 960 nm simultaneously

Abstract

For the first time, a unique pumping scheme for the thulium 2.3 micrometer transition is proposed that is capable of enhancing the output power by almost a factor three when compared to the traditional pumping scheme at 960 nm. The best relation between 685 nm pump power and 960 nm pump power is shown. The achieved output power of 620 mW is the highest reported so far.