High-power, frequency-doubled Nd:GdVO₄ laser for use in lithium cold atom experiments

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Laser Physics and Photonics

Background:

• Neodymium-doped Gadolinium Vanadate (Nd:GdVO4) lasers are valuable for various applications.
• Efficient laser sources are crucial for precise control and manipulation of cold atoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-power, single-longitudinal-mode Nd:GdVO4 ring laser.
• To generate specific wavelengths for lithium cold atom experiments, including resonant and blue-detuned light.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an 888 nm-pumped Nd:GdVO4 ring laser configuration.
• Employed a commercial frequency-doubling cavity to generate second-harmonic wavelengths.
• Characterized laser output power and beam quality (M^2).

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum output power of 7.4 W at 1341.2 nm with excellent beam quality (M^2<1.1).
• Reported the highest single-longitudinal-mode power for a Nd:GdVO4 crystal laser to date.
• Generated 1.2 W at 671.0 nm and 4.0 W at 670.6 nm using frequency doubling.

Conclusions:

• The developed Nd:GdVO4 laser system offers ample power for laser cooling of lithium atoms.
• The generated wavelengths are suitable for experiments requiring precise detuning from lithium D-lines.
• This laser source advances capabilities in cold atom research and related quantum technologies.