High-Power 2 μm Lasers: Applications, Advantages, and Future Trends

The 2 μm laser has high eye safety and is located near the absorption peaks of water molecules and CO2, making it widely used in differential absorption lidar, minimally invasive medical surgery, atmospheric environment detection, and material processing [1-4]. In addition, the 2 μm laser can also serve as a reliable pump source for optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) to directly generate mid to far-infrared lasers [5, 6]. Besides high power laser output, the demand for laser system miniaturization and reliability in related fields continues to increase. Therefore, compact and near-room temperature high power 2 μm lasers are advantageous for promoting their application in related fields.