Quasi-cw lasing in Mg2SiO4:Cr4+ single crystals

Thermal effects in the active element of an Mg₂SiO₄:Cr⁴⁺ single-crystal laser were studied. The thermal nature of the radiation losses at the ~ 1.25 μm lasing wavelength was confirmed. The thermooptic and thermal mechanisms of influencing the laser energy characteristics were investigated. As a result, stable quasi-cw lasing was achieved in single crystals of chromium-activated forsterite with an average output power higher than 1 W.