Efficient laser operation of diode-pumped Nd:KGd(WO4)2 crystal at 1.067 µm

The spectral properties and laser performance of a Nd:KGd(WO(4))(2) (Nd:KGW) rod pumped by a laser diode have been studied. The Nd:KGW can be doped with a much higher Nd3(+) concentration and has a wider absorption linewidth around 808 nm compared with Nd:YAG. At low repetition rates, the Nd:KGW exhibited good lasing properties with a lower threshold. The maximum optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of the diode laser pumped Nd:KGW laser at 1.067 µm has been determined to be 34.3% with a slope efficiency of 43.1%.