Compact passively Q-switched diode-pumped Tm:LiLuF4 laser with 1.26 mJ output energy.

We demonstrate efficient continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched Tm:LiLuF(4) laser operation near 1.9 μm. The CW slope efficiency reached 54.8% with respect to absorbed power. Stable passive Q-switching with Cr(2+):ZnS saturable absorbers resulted in minimum pulse duration of 7.6 ns and maximum pulse energy and peak power of 1.26 mJ and 166 kW, respectively.

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