All-solid-state 704 mW continuous-wave yellow source based on an intracavity, frequency-doubled crystalline Raman...

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Nonlinear optics
• Solid-state lasers

Background:

• Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Efficient generation of yellow laser light remains a challenge.
• Intracavity Raman shifting and frequency-doubling offer pathways to new wavelengths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate continuous-wave (cw) operation of a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser at 588 nm.
• To investigate the combination of intracavity Raman shifting and frequency-doubling for yellow light generation.
• To assess the power scaling potential of this laser system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser as the primary gain medium.
• Incorporated intracavity Raman shifting using potassium gadolinium tungstate (KGd(WO4)2, KGW) crystals.
• Employed lithium triborate (LiB3O5, LBO) crystals for second-harmonic generation (frequency-doubling).
• Operated the laser in both continuous-wave (cw) and quasi-continuous-wave (quasi-cw) modes.

Main Results:

• Achieved maximum cw output power of 704 mW at 588 nm with 13.7 W of diode pump power.
• Obtained quasi-cw yellow output power up to 1.57 W at a 50% duty cycle.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of power scaling beyond 1 W for yellow laser generation.

Conclusions:

• Continuous-wave yellow laser operation at 588 nm is successfully demonstrated using a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO4 laser with intracavity Raman shifting and frequency-doubling.
• The system shows promise for efficient generation of yellow light, with potential for higher power outputs.
• Quasi-cw operation highlights the feasibility of power scaling, crucial for practical applications requiring higher intensities.