Abstract

We demonstrate strong optical bistability in a $2\mu \mathrm{m}$ continuous-wave Tm,Ho:YLF laser pumped by a $792\mathrm{nm}$ laser diode near room temperature. The bistable region is as much as $100\mathrm{mW}$ wide at $283\mathrm{K}$ and can be controlled by the temperature of the laser crystal. The influence of crystal temperature on the characteristics of optical bistability is obtained. The influence of the pump-to-mode ratio on the bistable characteristics of the laser is also discussed. To our knowledge this is the first report of optical bistability effects in Tm,Ho:YLF lasers.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

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