Discretely tunable multiwavelength diode-pumped Nd:YALO laser

Operation of a moderate-to-high repetition-rate Q-switched quadrupled diode-pumped Nd:YALO laser discretely tunable between 266 and 275 nm is reported. Intracavity frequency doubling of the fundamental yielded 5.4 and 4.4 mJ at 532 and 550 nm, respectively, at a 600-Hz repetition rate. The laser radiation was frequency quadrupled to the UV external to the cavity with an output of 0.28 and 0.24 mJ at 266 and 275 nm, respectively. Astigmatic focal lengths that are due to thermal lensing effects of the Nd:YALO rod in the side-pumping geometry are presented.