Abstract

A high-average-power, efficient, single-transverse-mode Ti:Al₂O₃ laser suitable both for mode-locked operation and for long-pulsed, high-power pumping without damage to the laser crystal has been built using a large focal spot and liquid nitrogen cooling. A Ti:Al₂O₃ laser pumped by a 20-W argon-ion laser demonstrates a seven fold increase in power on cooling from 300 K to 77 K and has been mode-locked. This laser was also pumped by a 0.4-J, 150-μs long pulse in which liquid nitrogen cooling increased output power by a factor of four.

© 1989 Optical Society of America