High-power efficient tunable Nd:GdVO4 laser at 1083 nm

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Neodymium-doped Gadolinium Vanadate (Nd:GdVO4) lasers are known for their potential in various applications.
• Achieving efficient laser operation at specific wavelengths, such as 1083 nm, requires careful control of gain transitions.
• Suppressing undesired higher gain transitions is crucial for optimizing laser performance at the target wavelength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct an efficient tunable diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser operating at 1083 nm.
• To investigate methods for suppressing the competing 1063 nm transition.
• To evaluate the laser's output power and conversion efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 crystal.
• Employed wavelength-selective elements, specifically an uncoated etalon, to suppress higher gain transitions.
• Measured free-running output power and efficiency under varying pump conditions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a free-running output power of 3.4 W centered at 1083 nm with 12.5 W diode pump power.
• Obtained an impressive optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 30.1%.
• Demonstrated output power exceeding 2.5 W at each helium transition when using an etalon.

Conclusions:

• Successfully constructed an efficient tunable diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser at 1083 nm by suppressing the 1063 nm transition.
• The developed laser exhibits high efficiency and significant output power, making it suitable for applications requiring the 1083 nm wavelength.
• The use of a simple etalon further enhanced performance at specific helium transitions.