Efficient diffusive reflector-type diode side-pumped Nd:YAG rod laser with an optical slope efficiency of 55%

Abstract

We fabricated a compact diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a diffusive reflector, in which the diode laser power is transferred directly into the threefold symmetric diffusive cavity through long narrow slits. With a 7.5% output coupler in a linear resonator, we obtained 62.4-W multimode output power with an optical slope efficiency of 53.4% at a diode power of 182 W, which corresponds to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 34.3%. The optical slope efficiency increased to 55.5% when we used an 11% output coupler. From the leakage power analysis method, the pumping efficiency was measured to be approximately 82%. We discuss the thermal lens and the slope efficiency with respect to absorbed power that is derived from the measured pumping efficiency.

© 1999 Optical Society of America

Highly efficient continuous-wave operation of a Nd:YAG rod laser that is side pumped by p-polarized diode laser bars

Ranganathan Kandasamy, Sundar Raghavachari, Puskar Misra, and Sthanu Nathan. T. P
Appl. Opt. 43(31) 5855-5859 (2004)

Efficient diode side-pumping configuration of a Nd:YAG rod laser with a diffusive cavity

Tetsuo Kojima and Koji Yasui
Appl. Opt. 36(21) 4981-4984 (1997)

Design and fabrication of a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a diffusive optical cavity for 500-W output power

Sungman Lee, Sun Kook Kim, Mijeong Yun, Hyun Su Kim, Byung Heon Cha, and Hee-Jong Moon
Appl. Opt. 41(6) 1089-1094 (2002)

28% electrical-efficiency operation of a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG rod laser

Shuichi Fujikawa, Keisuke Furuta, and Koji Yasui
Opt. Lett. 26(9) 602-604 (2001)

Output power and polarization characteristics for a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG rod laser with a diffusive optical pump cavity

Sungman Lee, Mijeong Yun, Hyun Su Kim, Byung Heon Cha, and Sungsoo Suk
Appl. Opt. 41(6) 1082-1088 (2002)