Comparison of crystalline and ceramic composite Nd:YAG for high power diode end-pumping

A comparison between composite crystalline and ceramic composite Nd:YAG rods for high power diode end-pumping is presented. Laser output power characteristics as well as the thermal lensing properties of the composite laser rods were evaluated. A maximum laser output power of 121 W and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 48% were achieved by longitudinal pumping with fiber-coupled laser diodes.