Diode-pumped continuous-wave Pr:YLF cyan laser

We demonstrate continuous-wave quasi-three-energy level laser operation in the cyan region with an LD-pumped Pr:YLF laser. Based on the 3P0→3H4 transition, a continuously tunable Pr:YLF cyan laser was realized with a wavelength tunable range of 490.41 nm–491.72 nm, corresponding to a maximum power of 72 mW–244 mW. Under the same pumping scheme, a maximum output power of 255 mW was achieved at 491 nm using Pr:YLF, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 7.2 %. To our knowledge, this is the highest power produced at room temperature by a cyan laser demonstrated with a Pr:YLF crystal. This work provides a simple and effective scheme to generate high-power cyan lasers at room temperature for various applications, such as underwater communications and fluorescence detection. •The first demonstration of diode-pumped Pr:YLF cyan laser was achieved.•Based on the 3P0.→3H4 transition, a continuously tunable Pr:YLF cyan laser was realized with a wavelength tunable range of 490.41 nm–491.72 nm.•A 491 nm cyan laser utilizing a Pr:YLF crystal has a maximum output power of 255 mW at room temperature.