Continuous-wave and Q-switched operation of a resonantly pumped U-shaped Er:YAG laser at 1617 and 1645 nm

Continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched operation at 1617 and 1645 nm in a resonantly pumped Er:YAG laser is reported. A U-shaped resonator incorporating an acousto-optic Q-switch was used, and an etalon was employed to select the 1617 nm output. In CW operation the laser yielded 3.68 W at 1617 nm and 4.01 W at 1645 nm; in Q-switched operation the laser yielded 2.09 mJ at a 750 Hz repetition rate at 1617 nm and 2.07 mJ at a 1 kHz repetition rate at 1645 nm.