Efficient and tunable continuous-wave diode-pumped Yb^3+:Ca_4GdO(BO_3)_3 laser

Abstract

A Yb(3+):Ca(4)GdO(BO(3))(3) (Yb:GdCOB) crystal has been diode pumped for the first time to our knowledge. We obtained 47.5% slope efficiency at 6 degrees C, producing 191 mW of power at 1050 nm, with a 2.4% output coupler. Temperature does not significantly affect the laser performance: At room temperature we still obtained 180 mW of power for the same cavity. We achieved tunability of the Yb:GdCOB laser from 1035 to 1088 nm with a 1.7% output coupler and 100-nm tunability with a low-transmission output coupling (T = 0.03%).