Tunable laser operation in rb:YCOB from 1018 to 1087 nm pumped by 1.4 W fro
m a Ti:Sapphire laser tuned to 900 nm is demonstrated. The combination of t
he ability to grow large crystals with high optical quality, broad infrared
emission, diode pumpable absorption bands, and a significant non-linear co
efficient makes this material very promising for use in tunable and ultrafa
st laser systems. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V, All rights re
served.