Direct generation of continuous-wave and passively Q-switched visible vortex beams from a doughnut-shaped diode-pumped Pr: YLF laser.

ABSTRACT

We demonstrate the direct generation of visible vortex beams (LG01 mode) from a doughnut-shaped diode-pumped PrYLF laser. In continuous-wave mode, the maximum vortex output power was 36 mW at 523 nm, 354 mW at 607 nm, 838 mW at 639 nm, 722 mW at 721 nm, respectively. Moreover, based on this operation, the orange and red passively Q-switched vortex lasers were also achieved by inserting a CoMgAl2O4 crystal into the laser cavity as a saturable absorber. The shortest pulse width of Q-switched vortex laser was 58 ns for 607 nm, and 34 ns for 639 nm, respectively. Our work provides a reliable and efficient method for the direct generation of visible vortex lasers for potential applications.