Efficient TEM(00)-mode operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser

We report operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd: YAG laser with a novel pumping geometry that ensures efficient conversion of pump energy into the TEM(00) mode. Of the 1064-nm output, 11.8 mJ of energy was obtained in a 200-micros pulse with 64 mJ of pump energy at 808 nm. The overall conversion and slope efficiencies were 18% and 23%, respectively.