LAUSR

Mid-infrared Raman laser based on silica fiber is demonstrated. Hollow-core silica fiber filled by the mixture of ¹H₂ and D₂ gases was used as an active medium. Pumped by nanosecond pulses of a high-power Er-doped 1.56 μm fiber laser, the Raman laser generates radiation at 2.9, 3.3, and 3.5 μm wavelength, which depends on gas composition and pump power. Quantum conversion efficiency as high as ∼10% is achieved. The possibilities to optimize the performance of the Raman laser are discussed.