Spectroscopic characteristics and efficient laser operation of Tm:CLNGG disordered crystal

Spectroscopic characteristics, efficient and broadly tunable continuous wave (CW) laser operation of a Tm:CLNGG disordered crystal have been investigated for the first time. The disordered crystal laser emits a maximum power of 1.17 W with a slope efficiency as high as 42%. Broadly tunable CW laser operation is achieved in the Tm:CLNGG laser by diode pumping. A wide tuning range from 1896 to 2069 nm has been obtained, suggesting the potential of the disordered crystal for femtosecond pulse generation by mode-locking.