Abstract

There has been recent popularity in the development of solid state lasers, particularly compact systems employing diode laser pump schemes. Diode laser pumped system offers high efficiency and rugged ness compared to flash lamp systems. In this regard, laser materials that offer high efficiency, low loss and low threshold is of great importance. The neodymium doped KGd(WO₄)₂ or Nd:KGW offers such characteristics.¹ It has larger emission cross section and lower optical loss compared to that of the Nd:YAG.² Also, large crystal sizes can be manufactured and Nd concentrations can be increased up to 10%,³ which makes it attractive for microchip laser applications. The Nd:KGd (WO₄)₂ belongs to the double potassium tungstate compound with tetragonal crystalline structure which becomes monoclinic near melting point.¹

© 1995 IEEE