Semimonolithic Nd:YAG ring resonator for generating cw single-frequency output at 1.06 microm

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Stable single-frequency laser operation is crucial for various scientific applications.
• Traditional laser designs often require complex optical setups and suffer from thermal issues.
• Scaling laser power while maintaining single-frequency output presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel Nd:YAG ring laser design for efficient, high-power, single-frequency output.
• To simplify the resonator configuration for stable multiwatt operation.
• To investigate the use of diffusion-bonded undoped YAG for improved thermal management and reduced spatial hole burning.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal pumping of a novel Nd:YAG ring laser using a laser diode bar.
• Incorporation of a single discrete optic and magnet within the resonator.
• Diffusion bonding of undoped YAG to the Nd:YAG crystal at the pump face.

Main Results:

• Achieved 2.1 W of unidirectional single-frequency laser output.
• Demonstrated stable multiwatt single-frequency operation with a simplified resonator.
• Eliminated residual spatial hole burning and improved thermal conductivity through diffusion bonding.

Conclusions:

• The novel Nd:YAG ring laser design offers a simplified and scalable approach to high-power, single-frequency operation.
• The diffusion bonding technique effectively addresses thermal issues and spatial hole burning.
• This laser architecture is suitable for applications such as continuous-wave (cw) intracavity doubling.