Efficient diode-array-pumped Nd:YAG and Nd:Lu:YAG lasers

Abstract

Nd:YAG (YAG) and Nd:Lu:YAG (LYAG) are investigated as high-efficiency laser materials utilizing a diode-array side-pump geometry. We demonstrate higher laser efficiencies than previously reported for transversely pumped YAG. A YAG rod yielded an optical slope efficiency of 47.7%, while a LYAG rod yielded an optical slope efficiency of 50.3%. Increased performance of these materials is attributed to higher pump absorption and lower losses.

Diode-pumped CW and passively Q-switched lasers of Nd:GdLuAG mixed garnet at 1123nm

“…In recent years, Nd 3 þ -doped mixed garnets, including Nd:GdYAG, Nd:LuYAG and Nd:GdLuAG, have attracted many researchers' attention [1][2][3][4][5]. For inheriting a large number of excellent properties such as high thermal conductivity, excellent physical and chemical properties from single garnets, the mixed garnets were also used widely in solid state lasers [6][7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…And the broadening fluorescence line can generally improve the laser performance in Q-switched regimes. In 1989, Allik et al demonstrated the higher laser efficiency of Nd:LuYAG mixed garnet than Nd:YAG garnet [1]. By employing Nd:LuYAG garnet as laser gain medium, Di et al demonstrated stable mode-locked laser with a pulse width of 6.6 ps [4].…”

Spectroscopic properties of Nd3+:Lu3ScAl4O12single crystal

“…In recent years, much attention has been paid to the development of new materials that have better diode-pumpedlaser properties than the conventional Nd:YAG [1][2][3][4][5]. The new materials are required to have a larger absorption coefficient and longer fluorescent lifetime, as well as excellent thermal, chemical and mechanical properties.…”

Efficient Er:LuYAG laser operating at 1648 and 1620 nm

“…, the solid solution of LuAG and YAG, combines the advantages of the two end member compounds and has broadened absorption and emission spectra with Re 3+ -doping owing to the structural disorder. Spectral broadening in mixed crystals favors diode pumping and is highly desirable as well for widely tunable operation and short pulse generation [19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Efficient lasing of Nd 3+ -and Tm 3+ -doped LuYAG at 1 and 2 μm have already been demonstrated with either similar or even superior laser performances to that of Nd 3+ -and Tm 3+ -doped YAG [20,22], but to our knowledge, no laser report has so far been found based on Er 3+ -doped LuYAG mixed crystal at ∼ 1.6 μm.…”