Bistable performances of diode-end-pumped quasi-three-level Tm,Ho:YLF lasers

The performances of continuous wave, quasi-three-level Tm,Ho:YLF lasers emitting near 2.06 μm with single- and dual-end-pumped configurations are reported. Bistability is observed for single-end pumping but is absent for dual-end pumping. The width of the bistability region and the jump power at the turning point are shown to be functions of both the cavity length and output coupler transmission.