Channel waveguide laser at 1 μm in Yb-indiffused LiNbO_3

Abstract

We report laser action in a Ti-diffused LiNbO(3) waveguide doped with trivalent Yb ions by thermal indiffusion. Lasing was observed at 1008, 1030, and 1060 nm with thresholds as low as 15-mW launched pump power. We reduced photorefractivity, which initially permitted only intermittent lasing, by annealing the sample in wet O(2). The annealed sample lased continuously in a cavity formed by high-ref lectivity mirrors; however, with a 7% output coupler the output power exhibited instabilities. The greatest value of the output power observed under these conditions was consistent with a slope efficiency of ~16% with respect to absorbed power.