Power scaling Cr2+ lasers to the multi-watt regime

This paper reviews the state of the art in Cr²⁺ lasers and investigates advanced resonator designs for use with available Cr ²⁺ materials and pump lasers to increase the output power of the Cr²⁺ laser beyond the 2-watt level. It is found that the thin disk laser design is the most attractive option available for the demonstration of a 5-10 watt Cr²⁺ laser. The additional pumping optics required in the thin disk laser geometry are more than offset by the mitigation of thermal lensing and efficient operation at powers unobtainable with end-pumped rod designs