INTRACAVITY 1.549-MU-M PUMPED 1.634-MU-M ER-YAG LASERS AT 300-K

A novel method of generating 1.634-mum laser action from Er:YAG crysta ls pumped intracavity by an Er:glass laser emitting at 1.549 mum is de scribed. Operation of the Er:glass laser at 1.549 mum (red shifted fro m the standard 1.532 mum, but with comparable output) at 300 K was obt ained using mirrors with tailored spectral reflectivities. Several Er: YAG crystals ranging in concentration from 0.3% to 2% and in length fr om 1 cm to 8 cm were lased in the intracavity pumping arrangement. All the Er:YAG crystals lased in the 4I13/2:Y1(6544 cm-1-4I15/2:Z6(424 cm -1) 1.634-mum transition at 300 K.