Tellurite glass lasers operating close to 2<i>μ</i>m

Abstract

Recent work in the area of Tm3+ and Ho3+-doped tellurite fibre and bulk glass lasers operating close to 2 μm is reviewed. Spectroscopic properties of these doped glasses are discussed as well as the relevant pump schemes and energy transfer processes involved. Results of continuous wave (CW) and Q-switched Tm3+ and Ho3+-doped tellurite fibre lasers are then presented and discussed. Finally, the results of tellurite bulk glass laser experiments conducted to date are reported. © 2010 by Astro Ltd.