Efficient corner-pumped Nd:YAG/YAG composite slab 1.1 µm laser.

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Traditional pumping schemes can face limitations in efficiency and uniformity.
• Novel pumping geometries are needed to improve laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a continuous-wave (CW) corner-pumped Nd:YAG/YAG composite slab multi-wavelength laser operating around 1.1 µm.
• To evaluate the performance of the corner-pumping scheme in terms of output power, efficiency, and beam quality.
• To investigate the feasibility of frequency doubling the 1.1 µm output to the yellow-green region.

Main Methods:

• A composite slab laser gain medium (Nd:YAG/YAG) was utilized.
• A novel corner-pumping geometry was implemented for efficient diode laser pumping.
• Optical cavity design and optimization for multi-wavelength operation at 1.1 µm.
• Inclusion of a Lithium Triborate (LBO) crystal for second-harmonic generation (SHG).

Main Results:

• Maximal CW output power of 12.06 W was achieved at 1.1 µm.
• An optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 24% was obtained.
• Beam quality factors (M²) were measured as 7.71 (width) and 2.44 (thickness) at 10.3 W output.
• CW yellow-green laser output power of 841 mW was achieved via frequency doubling.

Conclusions:

• Corner pumping is a viable and effective scheme for diode-pumped solid-state lasers.
• The demonstrated 1.1 µm laser exhibits good performance characteristics.
• Frequency doubling to the yellow-green region is feasible with this setup for low to medium power applications.