Performance Comparisons Of Diode-Pumped Neodymium Laser Materials

R. A . Fields; C. L. Fincher

doi:10.1117/12.960605

25 September 1989 Performance Comparisons Of Diode-Pumped Neodymium Laser Materials

R. A . Fields, C. L. Fincher

Proceedings Volume 1104, Growth, Characterization, and Applications of Laser Host and Nonlinear Crystals; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960605
Event: SPIE 1989 Technical Symposium on Aerospace Sensing, 1989, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The performance of several Nd³⁺ doped laser materials were compared in a 1 watt diode-end-pumped configuration. The host materials included in this study were YVO₄, YAG, BEL, Cr:GSGG, and LNA. Measurements were limited to laser performance on the ⁴F_3/2-->⁴I_11/2 transition. The predictive quality of traditional modelling was examined by generating detailed theoretical performance curves for all the materials. The best theoretical fit to the data was obtained by using cross section values deter-mined by the Birnbaum laser method and quantum efficiencies (QE) greater than 94% for all the materials except BEL and Cr:GSGG. The low QE for Cr:GSGG can be traced to excited state absorption into the Cr bands. bands. Uncertainty in the fit relates to the tradeoff between QE and loss. A performance comparison between coated and uncoated YAG suggests that surface losses contribute more than expected. The data and the model indicate that all materials studied here (except for Cr:GSGG) should display approximately a 55% or greater slope efficiency (optical-to-optical) above 1 watt of pump power if fabricated with a monolithic high reflector and antireflective coating at the appropriate faces. Based on projections from the model and data from the literature LNA has the potential to be a high efficiency and energy storage laser. Utilizing a new 2 watt 20 stripe diode laser array, 1.22 watts at an optical efficiency of 61% was obtained at 1064 nm in the TEM₀₀ from a Nd:YVO₄ crystal.

Citation Download Citation

R. A . Fields and C. L. Fincher "Performance Comparisons Of Diode-Pumped Neodymium Laser Materials", Proc. SPIE 1104, Growth, Characterization, and Applications of Laser Host and Nonlinear Crystals, (25 September 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.960605

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