Quantum noise limited tunable single-frequency Nd:YLF/LBO laser at 526.5 nm

We describe continuous wave single-frequency operation of an intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YLF ring laser end-pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode. Output power of 770 mW has been achieved at 526.5 nm. The amplitude noise of the laser reaches the quantum noise limit for frequencies above 5 MHz, and the phase noise reaches the quantum noise limit for frequencies above 10 MHz. The laser's emission frequency can be tuned over 12 GHz by using an intracavity LiTaO3 electro-optic crystal based Fabry-Perot etalon.