Single longitudinal mode and continuously tunable frequency Tm,Ho:YLF laser with two solid etalons

Abstract

In this paper we report on a laser diode end-pumped single longitudinal mode (SLM) and continuously tunable frequency Tm,Ho:YLF laser with high beam quality at room temperature. The maximal output power of single longitudinal mode is as high as 118 mW by using two uncoated fused silica etalons, which are respectively 0.1 mm and 1 mm thick. Furthermore, the output frequency of the laser can be tuned continuously over 1 GHz by only angle tuning the 1 mm thick etalon. The single longitudinal mode laser can be used as a seed laser for coherent wind measurements and differential absorption lidar systems.