A 670 W Yb:Lu2O3 thin-disk laser

Abstract

We report on what is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest power reached with an Yb:Lu2O3 thin-disk laser in the continuous wave (CW) regime reported to date. A maximum output power of 670 W was demonstrated with a V-shaped resonator design. This result was achieved by pumping this laser active material at its zero-phonon absorption line at 976 nm. The potential of Yb:Lu2O3 as well as its limitations are discussed on the basis of several experimental investigations including thermal analysis and laser performance characterization for different doping concentrations.