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Nonlinear Optics

Lasers Running in Reverse: Optical Refrigeration below NIST-Cryogenics

Mansoor Sheik‐Bahae, Denis V. Seletskiy, Seth D. Melgaard, Alberto Di Lieto, Mauro Tonelli

Published Jan 1, 2011• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We report new milestones in the solid-state laser cooling by demonstrating cooling Yb:YLF below 123K (NIST-defined cryogenic) at the E4-E5 Stark resonance. Furthermore, we show impedance-matched cavity-enhanced cooling geometry truly mimics a laser running in reverse.
DOI
10.1364/nlo.2011.nme1

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Laser cooling of Yb:YLF crystal to 131 K from room temperature has been demonstrated in an active intracavity arrangement for enhanced pump absorption. The laser is a high-power, broadly-tunable InGaAs/GaAs MQW VECSEL capable of producing 20 Watts at 1020 nm, directly at the E4-E5 transition of the Yb-ion. This is the coldest temperature achieved to date in an intracavity geometry and without sophisticated heat load management of the crystal. This progress presents a significant advancement towards an all-solid-state compact cryocooler.