Z-scan Measurement of the Upconversion Coefficient in Er:YAG
Abstract
Solid-state laser research at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is currently emphasizing techniques for power scaling and achieving wavelengths in the eye-safer spectral region. We are studying erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG), because it can be operated with a low quantum defect and has transitions around 1.6 micrometers. However, it suffers from cooperative pair upconversion, which can raise the lasing threshold, and thus lower the output power. In this report, we demonstrate how to measure the upconversion coefficient C(up) using the z-scan technique with a continuous wave source. We find C(up) to be proportional to [Er], for concentrations ranging from 0.5-5%. The value we find at 1% is 3.6x10 to the minus 17th power cm3/s, approximately eight times larger than a value reported previously in the literature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508702
Entities
People
- Alexander B. Fick
- Jeffrey O. White
- John E. Mcelhenny
- Robert Dibiano
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory