Why 2.X µm ?

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The 2.X µm wavelength range is of special importance for applications, such as gas detection, including long-range LIDAR applications, free-space optical communication, medical diagnostics, laser surgery, optical pumping of longer wavelength solid-state lasers, material processing and security applications.

As there are characteristic absorption lines of a variety of relevant gases in this wavelength range, such lasers are in particular useful for high resolution molecular spectroscopic gas detection for industrial process monitoring or environmental control. Continuous wave (CW) output powers at room temperature of a few 10 mW are required for these applications, together with a good spectral purity and a certain tunability. Furthermore, LIDAR-measurements and optical free-space telecommunications can be carried out within the 2-2.5 µm atmospheric transparency window.

Because of the distinct absorption spectrum of human tissue in the present spectral range, medical diagnostic, such as noninvasive optical blood glucose monitoring, and laser surgery are other promising applications.

Given this wide range of applications of lasers in material processing, not all can be dealt with using state-of-the-art GaAs-based high-power diode lasers, emitting around 1 µm. For example the processing of transparent plastic requires high power lasers emitting at 2 µm. Finally, optical pumping of solid state lasers emitting at longer wavelengths and security related applications, are further areas where high brightness 2.X µm semiconductor lasers will find use.