High-power disordered Nd:CaYAlO(4)lasers at 1.08 microm

Area of Science:

• Laser physics and materials science.
• Solid-state laser development.

Background:

• Disordered laser crystals offer unique optical properties.
• Neodymium-doped calcium yttrium aluminum oxide (Na:CaYAlO(4)) is a promising gain medium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the high-power laser performance of a disordered Na:CaYAlO(4) crystal.
• To achieve continuous-wave (CW) and passively Q-switched operation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laser diode as the pump source for the Na:CaYAlO(4) crystal.
• Performed spectral analysis to confirm the laser wavelength.
• Configured a passively Q-switched laser setup.

Main Results:

• Achieved 5.16W of continuous-wave output power at approximately 1.08 micrometers.
• Demonstrated the first passively Q-switched Na:CaYAlO(4) laser.
• Obtained maximum average output power of 2.39W, a shortest pulse width of 5.7 ns, and a peak power of 15.47 kW in Q-switched mode.

Conclusions:

• The disordered Na:CaYAlO(4) crystal exhibits excellent high-power laser capabilities.
• The laser operates effectively around 1.08 micrometers.
• This laser is proposed as a potential source for helium optical pumping applications.