SBIR Phase II: Compact, Diode-Pumped, Broadly Tunable Cr2+:ZnSe Laser

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)二期项目将开发一种全固态、紧凑、高效、可广泛调谐的单频红外激光光源。在第一阶段中，我们证明了一种连续波(CW)、室温的Cr2+：ZnSe激光器，它可以在2138~2760 nm范围内连续调谐，而不需要任何主动冷却。这是迄今为止在任何室温连续激光器上展示的最宽的波长调谐。此外，该激光器的吸收功率斜率效率高达63%，与迄今报道的最好的固体激光器相媲美。在第二阶段，CTI和菲斯克大学(a HBCU/ml)的研究人员将进一步研究这种激光材料，并更好地表征激光激活的Cr2+离子在ZnSe宿主中的形成。此外，还将首次演示这种材料的直接连续波二极管泵浦和单频激光操作。激光输出功率将按大约数量级进行调整。此外，还将探讨各种激光设计、新颖的调谐机构和锁定模型的激光操作。其结果将是一种独特的激光器，它将替代低温色心激光器和二极管泵浦的固态激光泵浦的单线性频率转换器(如光学参数振荡器)，用于可调2至3 mm激光应用。该激光光源将为许多近红外激光需求提供完美的解决方案。应用包括高分辨率光学光谱、振动测量、几种重要大气化学物质的遥感、超快研究和医学科学。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an all solid-state, compact high-efficiency, broadly tunable, single-frequency infrared laser source. In Phase I a continuous-wave (cw), room-temperature Cr2+:ZnSe laser was demonstrated that was continuously tunable from 2138 to 2760 nm without any active cooling. This is the broadest wavelength tuning yet demonstrated from any room temperature, cw laser. Additionally, the laser demonstrated an absorbed power slope efficiency as high as 63% - which rivals that of the best solid-state lasers yet reported. In Phase II, CTI and Fisk University (a HBCU/Ml) researchers will further investigate this laser material and better characterize the formation of the laser active Cr2+ ion in the ZnSe, host. Additionally, direct cw diode pumping of this material and single frequency laser operation will be demonstrated for the first time. Laser output power will be scaled by an approximate order of magnitude. A variety of laser designs, a novel tuning mechanism, and modelocked laser operation will be explored as well. The result will be a unique laser that will be an alternative to cryogenic color-center lasers and diode-pumped-solid-state laser- pumped-monlinear-frequency-converters (such as optical parametric oscillators) for tunable 2 to 3 mm laser applications. The laser source will provide an elegant solution to many near-infrared laser needs. Applications include high-resolution optical spectroscopy, vibrometry, remote sensing of several important atmospheric chemicals, ultrafast studies, and medical science.