Efficient high-power diode-end-pumped TEM(00) Nd:YVO(4) laser with a planar cavity

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Diode-end-pumped lasers offer high efficiency and compact designs.
• Thermal management is critical for maintaining laser performance and stability.
• Neodymium-doped Yttrium Vanadate (Nd:YVO4) is a widely used gain medium for solid-state lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a compact and efficient diode-end-pumped laser.
• To achieve high output power using a thermally stabilized cavity design.
• To investigate the performance of Nd:YVO4 crystals in a specific laser configuration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two coated Nd:YVO4 crystals to form a thermally stabilized flat-flat cavity.
• Employed diode-end-pumping for efficient energy transfer.
• Operated the laser in both continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched modes.

Main Results:

• Achieved 30 W of output power from 48 W of incident pump power in CW operation.
• Generated 25 W of average power at a 100 kHz pulse-repetition rate in Q-switched operation.
• Produced approximately 0.9 mJ of pulse energy at a 10 kHz pulse-repetition rate in Q-switched operation.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated laser design is compact and highly efficient.
• The use of two Nd:YVO4 crystals and a thermally stabilized cavity effectively manages thermal effects.
• The laser system shows promising performance for applications requiring high power and specific pulse characteristics.