Nd:MgO:LiNbO(3) continuous-wave laser pumped by a laser diode.

Area of Science:

• Solid-state laser technology
• Nonlinear optical materials
• Laser physics

Background:

• Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is a key material in nonlinear optics and integrated photonics.
• Neodymium (Nd) doping introduces active laser ions into host materials.
• MgO doping enhances the photorefractive resistance of LiNbO3.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate diode-pumped laser oscillation in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3.
• To determine the lasing performance, including pump power thresholds and output characteristics.
• To assess the long-term operational stability of these lasers.

Main Methods:

• Diode-laser pumping of a Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 crystal.
• Measurement of absorbed pump power thresholds for different polarizations.
• Characterization of continuous-wave (cw) output power and slope efficiency.
• Evaluation of long-term output stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved diode-pumped laser oscillation in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3.
• Observed low absorbed pump power thresholds: 1.9 mW (high-gain/pi polarization) and 8 mW (low-gain polarization).
• Obtained 2 mW cw output power at 1.085 microm for pi polarization with 9 mW pump power.
• Demonstrated a slope efficiency of 37%.
• Confirmed stable operation over extended periods without output power degradation.

Conclusions:

• Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 is an effective gain medium for diode-pumped lasers.
• The material exhibits excellent low-threshold performance and high efficiency.
• The lasers demonstrate remarkable operational stability, suitable for practical applications.