Abstract

We have demonstrated a compact and efficient diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser. This laser uses compound parabolic concentrators to transport diode radiation into a highly enclosed laser pump chamber. We have demonstrated 451 W of CW IR output with an optical-to-optical efficiency of 40% and a slope efficiency of 50%. This laser also generated 355 W of pulsed output using AO Q-switches. With an intracavity type II LBO crystal, we obtained 182 W of pulsed green output with thousands of hours of reliable operation.

© 1998 Optical Society of America