Efficient, 15-W output power, diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG laser

The design and performance of a 15-W output-power, diode-pumped cw Nd:YAG laser is described. With the use of geometrically multiplexed end pumping, the combined power of four 10-W diode-laser bars is deposited in the active-medium mode volume with an efficiency of 80%. While operating on several transverse modes the laser has a threshold of 3 W, an optical slope efficiency of 60%, and an overall electrical efficiency of 10.5%. Thermally induced higher-order spherical aberration of 1.2 waves limits the output power in the TEM(00) mode to approximately 6 W.