Whispering-gallery-mode Nd-ZBLAN microlasers at 1.05 μm

Abstract

Experimental results on the realization of microlasers at 1.05 micrometers with Nd-doped ZBLAN spheres are described. A microwave plasma torch process was developed to produce spheres with very low ellipticities. Laser oscillation was obtained using properties of whispering gallery modes. These modes were excited with an evanescence wave coupling which provided a low threshold and an oscillation with only few modes.