2024-11-1020170146-959210.1364/OL.42.0016562-s2.0-85018734102http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OL.42.001656https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14288/17702We report, what is to our knowledge, the first passively Q-switched operation of a 2.3-mu m Tm3+ : YLF laser by using a Cr2+ : ZnSe saturable absorber. In the experiments, a tunable Ti3+ : sapphire laser was used to end pump the Tm3+ : YLF gain medium inside an x cavity. A Cr2+ : ZnSe saturable absorber was also included in the cavity to initiate passive Q switching. At all pump power levels above lasing threshold, passively Q-switched operation of the Tm3+ : YLF laser could be obtained at 2309 nm with pulse durations and repetition frequencies in the ranges of 1.21.4 mu s and 0.3-2.1 kHz, respectively. Analysis of power dependent repetition rate data further gave an estimated value of 3.1% for the round-trip saturable loss of the Cr2+ : ZnSe saturable absorber.OpticsJournal Article1539-479440048770000410056