Characteristics of intrinsic optical bistability and parameter optimization in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped laser crystal
Li Li, Zhang Xin-Lu, Cui Jin-Hui +2 more
Intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped laser crystal under 650 nm laser excitation is theoretically studied. Based on the theory of nonlinear coupled rate equations, we numerically analyze IOB evolutions of the populations at Tm3+/Yb3+ energy levels, and the influence of system parameters on IOB and the dynamic operation of bistable hysteresis loop. The simulation result shows the fluorescence IOB in visible-infrared spectra of Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped laser crystal under photon avalanche pumping scheme. It is found that IOB phenomena can be largely enhanced by optimizing the Tm3+/Yb3+ concentration ratio, choosing low phonon-energy crystal host and using crystal cooling technology, and also by tuning the pump laser to match the resonant frequency of Tm3+ excited-state absorption transition. Through tuning the pump laser wavelength and adjusting the rate of change in pump intensity, the controllable IOB switching can be achieved.
Acta Physica Sinica•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations