Diode-pumped mode-locked Tm:LuAG laser at 2  μm based on GaSb-SESAM.

Mode-locking of a directly diode-pumped Tm: LuAG laser is demonstrated using GaSb-based semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs). Stable and self-starting mode-locked operation was realized, generating pulses as short as 13.6 ps at 2024 nm with a maximum output power of 98 mW. Two GaInAs-based SESAMs were used for comparison with the operation based upon the use of the GaSb SESAM; in this case, longer pulses with durations of 27 ps and 34 ps were obtained under the same experimental conditions. Our work sets a new record in pulse duration for mode-locked Tm: LuAG lasers and confirms that latticematched GaSb-based SESAMs are beneficial for modelocked solid-state lasers in the 2 mu m range. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America