Wide-Spectrum Mid-IR Generation by High-Powe Solid-State Lasers

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Toward "Wide Spectrum Mid-IR Generation System" we have investigated in high average power and high peak power solid-state lasers with nonlinear wavelength conversion as following ; (1) Models for diode-pumped solid-state lasers : We applied M^2 concept to the solid-state laser optimization. The maximum slope efficiency of 58.6% was obtained in Nd : YVO_4 laser. Then we modified our model for Yb : YAG microchip and slab laser. (2) Development of high power lasers : We have developed new edge pumping scheme for power scaling in solid-state lasers. Byer group of Stan ford University has been demonstrated the edge pumped zig-zag slab laser for high-power system. In Nd : YAG slab laser we obtained 127 W output power with 57 % slope efficiency. However, the maximum power was limited below 40 W with 20 % slope efficiency in Yb : YAG slab. On the other hand, Taira group of IMS was investigated in the microchip scheme. Up to near 100 W output power with 49 % slope efficiency have been obtained in quasi-CW operation mode by edge pumped Yb : YAG microchip laser configuration. (3) Short pulse generation : In order to evaluate the potential of Yb : YAG as an ultra fast laser, we examined the tunability. With 400 μm Yb : YAG microchip we achieved the widest tunability, 〜85 nm, in Yb : YAG with high slope efficiency (60 %) and 3 W output power. This result indicates the possibility to develop under 〜100-fs (up to 〜15-fs) short pulse laser with Yb : YAG system. (3) Widely tunable mid-IR generation : The quasi-phase-matching (QPM) methods will open new horizons in the wavelength conversions fields. To improve poling methods for new QPM devices we developed in-situ poling system, then obtained a broad-band-QPM chip in periodically poled MgO : LiNbO_3. Additionally, we have held the small meeting with Prof. Byer and Prof. Fejer to discuss about the current technology and future possibility of the Solid-State Laser Systems.