LiNbO3:RE3+ (RE = Yb, Ho) Crystals as Radiation-Balanced Laser Materials in Infrared Region

Based on the analysis of the emission spectra of LiNbO3:Ho3+ and LiNbO3:Yb3+ crystals in the infrared region, the feasibility of radiation-balanced (RB) lasing in the infrared region at room temperature has been investigated. The parameters of RB lasing were calculated, and the optimal pump and laser wavelengths were determined as follows: λOP = 2015.2 nm and λOL = 2072.3 nm for LiNbO3:Ho3+ crystals, and λOP = 1004.7 nm and λOL = 1060.8 nm for LiNbO3:Yb3+ crystals. The dependence of RB lasing intensity on pump intensity, ensuring radiation balance, was established. For representative values of intracavity losses (γi = 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.8%) and output coupler transmission losses (T2 = 2%), the expected output powers of RB lasing were estimated.