QCW surface-pumped cryogenically cooled single-slab laser with 1  kW level at 946  nm

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Electronics

Background:

• High-power solid-state lasers are crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Development of efficient and compact 946-nm lasers is an ongoing challenge.
• Cryogenic cooling offers potential for enhanced laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a kilowatt-level quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) cryogenically cooled 946-nm slab laser oscillator.
• To achieve record-high output power and pulse energy from an all-solid-state 946-nm laser.
• To explore a new pathway for developing compact, high-power solid-state 946-nm lasers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a double-face-pumped, large-size single-slab Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) design.
• Operated the laser oscillator at cryogenic temperatures.
• Configured for quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) operation at a 400 Hz repetition rate and 175 µs pulse duration.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record-high average output power of 1.06 kW without additional amplification.
• Delivered a single pulse energy of 2.65 J.
• These results represent the highest output power and pulse energy for an all-solid-state 946-nm laser reported to date.

Conclusions:

• Successfully demonstrated the first kilowatt-level QCW cryogenically cooled 946-nm slab laser oscillator.
• The developed laser system establishes new benchmarks for power and pulse energy in its class.
• The presented scheme offers a promising route for future compact, high-power solid-state 946-nm laser development.