LD end-pumped Er,Pr:GYSGG single crystal fiber laser as a potential mid-infrared seed source applied in radiation environment.

We demonstrate the influence of gamma-ray irradiation on the propagation loss and laser performance of an Er,Pr:GYSGG single crystal fiber (SCF). The size of SCF is Φ 0.75 mm × 70 mm and the diameter fluctuation is less than ±3.5%. The propagation loss coefficients of the samples are 0.07 and 0.09 dB cm−1 before and after irradiation, respectively, which is almost unaffected. The maximum output powers of 197 and 192 mW on the SCFs before and after irradiation are obtained under a 969 nm laser diode (LD) end-pumping, corresponding to the slope efficiencies of 8.1% and 7.9%, respectively. A very good beam quality factor M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.11/1.13 is achieved. These results imply that the Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF laser can be used as a potential seed source for mid-infrared (MIR) multi-stage amplification laser apparatus applied in radiation environment. • Er,Pr:GYSGG single crystal fiber (SCF) with a diameter of Ф 0.75 mm is prepared. • Effect of 100 Mrad 60Co gamma-ray irradiation on Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF is demonstrated. • Output power of 192 mW and M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.11/1.13 are achieved after irradiation. • Both maximum output power and slope efficiency are reduced by only 2.5%. • Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF laser is a potential seed light source applied in radiation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]