Abstract

Sum frequency generation from two Nd:YAG lasers operating at 1320 and 1064 nm has aroused significant interest, because the sum frequency radiation at 589 nm overlaps the strong sodium D-line resonance.¹ Although high average power Cup to 20 W) has been obtained, the required laser system is large. An obvious method to make the laser system smaller is to use only one Nd:YAG rod. The two transitions use the same upper laser level, however, so lasing at 1064 nm, which has much higher gain, quickly robs gain at 1320 nm.¹ Consequently, the use of only one laser rod with intracavity sum frequency generation results in inefficient and unstable operation.

© 1992 Optical Society of America