Efficient diode-pumped planar Nd:YAG waveguide amplifier provides high gain

Oct. 1, 1997
A grou¥from the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton (England) and LETI (Grenoble, France) demonstrated efficient high-gain operation of a

Efficient diode-pumped planar Nd:YAG waveguide amplifier provides high gain

A grou¥from the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton (England) and LETI (Grenoble, France) demonstrated efficient high-gain operation of a

5-mm-long planar Nd:YAG waveguide amplifier. The device was grown by liquid-phase

epitaxy. When longitudinally pumped in a double-pass configuration by a 1.2-W broad-stripe diode laser, the device produced small signal gains of 28 dB and output powers of u¥to

290 mW at 1064 nm, representing an efficiency of about 24%.

The 5-mm length of the waveguide was chosen to absorb most of the diode-laser pum¥energy in a single pass. The end faces were angle polished at about 0.5! to hel¥suppress lasing from Fresnel reflections. The grou¥notes that a planar waveguide is, in principle, suited to the combination of high gain with high power and that the geometry is compatible with that of high-power diode pum¥lasers. The planar geometry also offers benefits in terms of thermal behavior because it allows close proximity heat-sinking of the waveguide so operational

temperature rises can be minimized. Future work will include using more-powerful broad-stripe diode lasers and diode bars with the goal of achieving multiple-watt outputs.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Filter accessories including cubes, sliders, and rings, designed to enhance the performance and versatility of optical systems. These components ensure precise alignment and stability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!