Q-switched operation of a novel transversely-diode-pumped bulk 1.65μm Er:Yb:YAG laser is demonstrated using a piezoelectric "FTIR" type of Q-switch. Typical output pulses of approximately 12mJ energy and 4011s duration have been obtained, suitable for telemetry and other applications. The material is transversely pumped using quasi-cw 960-nm laser-diode arrays. In Q-switched mode, lasing threshold lies in the range of 0.5-1.4J, depending on pumping conditions and output coupling, while optical slope efficiencies in the order of 1% were measured with respect to the incident pump energy. The reported system represents a rare-earth crystalline laser with superior active material and optical qualities, to challenge the established glass-host materials in the 1.6μm eyesafe wavelength region.
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