NASA NTRS1997
Ho:Tm:Er:LuAG demonstrated simultaneous laser oscillation associated with two different transitions and different atoms. Two wavelength oscillation, or TWO, can be achieved in a single laser and single resonator. Moreover, the wavelength can be electronically controlled by varying the pump pulse length, Either the short wavelength, the Ho (5)1(sub 7) to (5)1(sub 8) transition at 2.1 microns, or the long wavelength, the Er (4)1(sub 11/2) to (4)1(sub 13/2) transition at 2.7 microns, or both wavelengths simultaneously can be produced without resorting to mechanical intervention. Consequently, a single laser system can easily switch between producing either of these useful wavelengths. Laser operation of both transitions has been characterized and is presented.