The fluoride fiber laser with the longest emission wavelength, the Ho³⁺-transition at 3.9 μm in the attenuation minimum of the 3–5-μm atmospheric window, is characterized. After reviewing the importance of fluoride fibers due to their low phonon energies, we describe room-temperature fluorescence and laser action with liquid-nitrogen cooling. Continuous-wave laser action at 3.9 μm is presented for the 640- and the 890-nm pump ranges. A shift of the emission wavelength is achieved by varying the resonator mirrors. Laser characteristics and temperature dependence are discussed.

© 1997 Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

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