8-mJ TEM(00) diode-end-pumped frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• High-power laser systems are crucial for scientific research and industrial applications.
• Compact and efficient laser designs are needed to improve accessibility and reduce operational costs.
• Frequency-quadrupled solid-state lasers offer unique wavelengths for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a compact, air-cooled, frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using a high-brightness stack for pumping.
• To achieve high pulse energy at the fourth harmonic wavelength.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configuration.
• Employed a commercially available high-brightness stack for laser pumping.
• Implemented an air-cooling system for thermal management.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated a frequency-quadrupled Nd:YAG laser.
• Achieved a pulse energy of 8 mJ at a wavelength of 0.266 micrometers.
• Demonstrated efficient operation with air cooling.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser system is compact, efficient, and easy to use.
• The MOPA configuration and high-brightness stack pumping are effective for high-energy output.
• The 0.266 micrometer output is suitable for applications requiring deep ultraviolet light.