Nearly quantum-defect-limited efficiency, resonantly pumped, Er3+:YVO₄ laser at 1593.5 nm

Nearly quantum-defect-limited laser operation of a resonantly pumped Er(3+):YVO₄ at 1593.5 nm is demonstrated. Maximum slope efficiency of ~85% and true CW power of ~13 W at 1593.5 nm were achieved with a beam propagation factor of M₂ ~ 1.05. This slope efficiency is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest efficiency ever reported for a crystalline Er-doped laser.