Efficient continuous-wave TEM(00) operation of a transversely diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser

A new, highly efficient, scalable technique for cw high-power diode-array side pumping of gain media has been eveloped. The use of simple all-reflective optics permits diode emission collection efficiencies of >95%. We have achieved a cw TEM(00) mode output (M(2) < 1.1) of 13.1 W at 1.06 microm from a Nd:YAG rod pumped with 60 W of laser-diode output (808 nm), representing 22% conversion efficiency (29% conversion of absorbed pump power). Numerical simulations and experimental results indicate that good thermal management results in thermally induced aberrations of