Continuous wave operation of multiply doped Ho:YLF and Ho:YAG laser

Abstract Continuous wave laser operation at 2.1 μm of multiply doped Ho:YLF and Ho:YAG is reported. A record of laser power of 62 W was obtained with Ho 3+ doped YLF. Maximum slope efficiency of 4.75% and 3.7% was obtained with αβHo:YLF and αβHo:YAG, respectively. Stimulated emission cross-section of σ =2×10 -19 cm 2 for Ho 3+ in YAG, and the population inversion density at threshold, were estimated from the experimental results.