High-performance diode-end-pumped Nd:YLF laser operating at 1314 nm

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Nd:YLF lasers are crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Efficient in-band pumping is key to improving laser performance.
• Understanding mode-to-pump ratio effects is vital for optimizing laser output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a stable, efficient, and powerful 1314 nm Nd:YLF laser.
• To investigate the impact of mode-to-pump ratio on laser performance.
• To analyze thermal and upconversion effects on laser output.

Main Methods:

• In-band pumping of Nd:YLF laser using an 880 nm laser diode.
• Systematic investigation of mode-to-pump ratio.
• Analysis of thermal and energy transfer upconversion effects.
• Characterization of output power, efficiency, beam quality, and stability.

Main Results:

• Maximum continuous wave output power of 21.9 W achieved at a mode-to-pump ratio of 0.84.
• Optimal optical power efficiency of 31.3% with beam quality M² ≈ 1.6.
• Output power stability of 0.059% (RMS) within 1 hour.
• Near-diffraction-limited beam (M² ≈ 1.3) achieved at a mode-to-pump ratio of 1.0.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated 1314 nm Nd:YLF laser offers high power, efficiency, and stability.
• Mode-to-pump ratio significantly influences laser performance and beam quality.
• This laser system is a promising candidate for demanding optical applications.