TUNABLE RED-YELLOW LASER-BASED ON 2ND-HARMONIC-GENERATION OF CR-FORSTERITE IN KTP

A new route to a visible tunable solid laser source is explored. Wavel engths between 590 and 670 nm are generated by extra-cavity frequency doubling of tuned and free-running gain-switched Cr:forsterite lasers in KTP. A peak conversion efficiency of 7% is achieved. Measured angul ar bandwidths and phase-matching angles are found to be in good agreem ent with theoretical predictions for KTP. The potential for increased conversion efficiency in the wings of the Cr:forsterite tuning range i s discussed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.