Characteristics of 2.9-µm laser operation in Er-doped crystals

The 2.9-μm laser transition of the Er3+ ion in a variety of host crystals has been studied for more than a decade. Recent development of Er lasers has been motivated by potential medical applications. We present results of a study of three different 2.9-μm Er-doped systems, Er:YAG, Er:YLF, and Er:Cr:YSGG.