High-efficiency 1.06-µm output in a monolithic Nd:YVO(4) laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Miniature solid-state lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) is a promising gain medium.
• End-pumped configurations offer high efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a miniature monolithic Nd:YVO4 laser.
• To investigate performance under Ti-sapphire laser pumping.
• To explore laser diode pumping and thermal effects.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 1.5-mm-long monolithic Nd:YVO4 laser crystal with 3 at.% Nd doping.
• End-pumped configuration using a Ti-sapphire laser.
• Evaluation of output power, slope efficiency, and pump polarization dependence.
• Demonstration of laser diode pumping and analysis of thermal effects.

Main Results:

• Maximum output power of 495 mW at 1.064 µm was achieved with 885 mW absorbed pump power.
• Maximum slope efficiency reached 57%.
• Output power showed minimal dependence on pump polarization; thermal effects reduced output, requiring active cooling.

Conclusions:

• The miniature monolithic Nd:YVO4 laser demonstrates efficient high-power operation.
• Laser diode pumping is feasible, but thermal management is critical for sustained performance.
• Further optimization of thermal management is needed for practical applications of these compact lasers.