High-power and high-efficiency diode-pumped Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal lasers operating at 939 and 946  nm

We report on high-performance infrared lasers at 0.94 μm based on quasi-three-level transition of F_3/24→I_9/24 in Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal, for the first time to our knowledge. The maximum output power was achieved to 5.64 W with slope efficiency of approximately 52.5% at 946 nm. The simultaneous dual-wavelength laser at 939 and 946 nm is also obtained with maximum output power of 3.61 W and slope efficiency of 34.8% by introducing a glass etalon into the cavity. Moreover, a 2.0-W single-wavelength laser at 939 nm can be further attained by suitably tilting the etalon. Using a Cr:YAG saturable absorber, Q-switched laser operation is realized with maximum average output power of 0.68 W and the narrowest pulse width of 8.4 ns, which results in the maximum single pulse energy of approximately 55.3 μJ and the maximum pulse peak power of approximately 6.15 kW. Finally, thermal focal length of the laser crystal is estimated by using a flat-flat laser cavity.