Novel solid-state lasers for Lidar applications at 2 mu m

A review on the results achieved by our group in the development of novel solid-state lasers for Lidar applications at 2 mu m is presented. These lasers, based on fluoride crystals (YLF(4), BaY(2)F(8), and KYF(4)) doped with Tm and Ho ions, are characterized by high-efficiency and wide wavelength tunability around 2 mu m. Single crystals of LiYF(4), BaY(2)F(8), and KYF(4) codoped with the same Tm(3+) and Ho(3+) concentrations were successfully grown by the Czochralski method. The full spectroscopic characterization of the different laser crystals and the comparison between the laser performance are presented. Continuous wave operation was efficiently demonstrated by means of a CW diode-pumping. These oscillators find interesting applications in the field of remote sensing (Lidar and Dial systems) as well as in high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, frequency metrology, and biomedical applications.