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20 mJ, 1 ps Yb:YAG Thin-disk Regenerative Amplifier
Published on: July 12, 2017
Compact and efficient Nd:YVO 4 laser that generates a tunable single-frequency green output
G J Friel1, A J Kemp, T K Lake
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK. g.j.friel@hw.ac.uk
Applied Optics
|March 20, 2008
Summary
We achieved 250 mW of single-frequency green light using an intracavity-doubled neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser. This laser system allows for smooth frequency sweeping over 17 GHz, maintaining high single-frequency output power.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Single-frequency lasers are crucial for applications requiring precise wavelength control.
- Intracavity frequency doubling offers a compact method for generating visible laser light.
- Nd:YVO4 lasers are known for their good thermal properties and high gain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact, single-frequency green laser source.
- To achieve frequency tunability in the green output.
- To optimize intracavity doubling for efficient visible light generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fiber-coupled diode laser to pump a Nd:YVO4 laser crystal.
- Employed a short Fabry-Perot cavity design.
- Implemented a birefringent filter incorporating KTP and Nd:YVO4 crystals for single-frequency operation.
- Incorporated a Brewster plate for polarization-dependent loss control.
Main Results:
- Achieved 250 mW of single-frequency 532-nm output.
- Demonstrated smooth frequency chirping over approximately 17 GHz.
- Maintained over 200 mW of single-frequency green output during frequency sweeping.
- Leveraged crystal birefringence and polarization-dependent loss for stable single-frequency operation.
Conclusions:
- A simple and efficient intracavity-doubled Nd:YVO4 laser can produce high-power, tunable single-frequency green light.
- The demonstrated laser design is suitable for applications requiring stable, narrow-linewidth visible light.
- The combination of birefringent filtering and polarization control effectively ensures single-frequency operation.
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