Abstract

We have developed configurations of diode-bar-pumped Nd:YVO₄ lasers that generate up to 13.8 W of TEM₀₀ output (M² ~ 1.05) with over 50% optical conversion efficiency. To our knowledge, this is the highest average power achieved to date with Nd:YVO₄ as the active medium. Additionally, this is the highest conversion efficiency reported to date for a diode-bar-pumped TEM₀₀ laser with over 10 W of output power. High efficiency is required in many applications to maximize diode lifetime and therefore minimize cost. Additional constraints are placed upon pointing, power, and mode stability as a function of environmental parameters.

© 1995 Optical Society of America