Powerful Q-switched Raman laser at 589  nm with a repetition rate between 200 and 500  kHz

Area of Science:

• Lasers and Photonics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Developing efficient solid-state lasers for visible light generation is crucial for various applications.
• Acousto-optic Q-switching is a common technique for high-power pulsed laser generation.
• Intracavity nonlinear processes like Raman scattering and second-harmonic generation are key for wavelength conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a highly powerful acousto-optically Q-switched Nd:YVO4 yellow laser at 589 nm.
• To investigate the performance differences between separate and shared cavity designs for intracavity nonlinear processes.
• To optimize the laser for high optical-to-optical efficiency and output power.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Neodymium-doped Yttrium Vanadate (Nd:YVO4) crystal as the gain medium.
• Employing an acousto-optic Q-switch for pulsed operation.
• Incorporating a Neodymium-doped Potassium Gadolinium Tungstate (Nd:KGW) crystal for intracavity stimulated Raman scattering.
• Using a phase-matching lithium triborate (LBO) crystal for intracavity second-harmonic generation.
• Comparing a separate cavity design with a conventional shared cavity design.

Main Results:

• A highly powerful yellow laser operating at 589 nm was successfully demonstrated.
• The separate cavity design proved superior to the conventional shared cavity design.
• Optical-to-optical efficiency exceeding 32% was achieved for repetition rates between 200-500 kHz.
• A maximum output power of 15.1 W at 589 nm was obtained with 40 W of incident pump power at a 400 kHz repetition rate.

Conclusions:

• The developed separate cavity design enables highly efficient and powerful yellow laser generation at 589 nm.
• This approach offers significant advantages over traditional shared cavity configurations for intracavity nonlinear frequency conversion.
• The results highlight the potential of this laser system for applications requiring high-power visible light sources.