Dual-wavelength end-pumped Rb-Cs vapor lasers

Diode-pumped alkali vapor lasers (DPALs) have been rapidly developed because of their excellent performances. However, there have been few reports about DPALs with multiple wavelengths until now. The effects of the output features on the waist size and position of both Rb and Cs pump beams were first theoretically investigated using a kinetic model for an end-pumped dual-wavelength Rb-Cs laser. Then, a continuous-wave (CW) laser was experimentally constructed. Finally, the hybrid CW-modulated output with two wavelengths was also successfully obtained for the first time in development of alkali lasers. The results might be helpful in applications for laser communication and ranging/radar in the future.