2025-01-1920230925-346710.1016/j.optmat.2023.1138012-s2.0-85152476727https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2023.113801https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14288/26266We report, for the first time to our knowledge, self-Q-switched (SQS) operation of a Tm3+:Lu2O3 ceramic laser near 2 mu m based on the 3F4 -> 3H6 optical transition. By careful optimization of cavity focusing, SQS operation could be achieved at several curved mirror separations without any external modulator and the laser delivered 9.7-mu s pulses at the wavelength of 2091 nm with a pulse repetition rate of 26 kHz. In the experiments, a tight-focusing resonator design was further employed to achieve low-threshold continuous-wave (CW) operation of the laser with lasing threshold pump powers as low as 33 mW. With an incident pump power of 590 mW at 776 nm, a maximum output power of 164 mW was obtained at 2097 nm with a slope efficiency of 30% with respect to the incident pump power. The tuning range of the CW Tm3+:Lu2O3 ceramic laser could be extended up to the wavelength of 2235 nm.Materials ScienceOpticsJournal Article1873-12521008734600001Q150701