Abstract

Efficient pulsed room-temperature laser operation at 946 and 473 nm is reported for Nd:YAG end-pumped with multiple diode array bars. The collimated output from 10 individual bars was focused onto the end of a water-cooled composite doped/undoped Nd:YAG laser rod. At 500 Hz a maximum average power of 5.7 W at 946 nm was obtained in long-pulse operation. Over 15% efficiency based on incident pump power was measured at 300 Hz. With intracavity frequency doubling using KNbO3, 366 mW was obtained at 473 nm and 200 Hz. Q-switched operation at 100 Hz yielded pulse energies of 1.8 mJ at 946 nm.

© 1995 Optical Society of America