Basic enhancement of the global efficiency of frequency doubling devices for the one-micron continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser emission

摘要

The possibility of basic enhancement of the global efficiency of frequency-doubling devices for the one-micron continuous-wave Nd lasers by direct pumping into the emitting level and by the use of concentrated laser materials is discussed. This possibility is demonstrated for 1.0 and 2.4-at.% Nd:YAG crystals pumped by a Ti:Sapphire laser at 885 nm. A slope efficiency of 0.79 in absorbed power was obtained for the 1064 nm emission of the 1-at.% Nd:YAG. The effect of enhancement of intracavity emission on the second harmonic emission is manifested in a drastically reduction of emission threshold and in an enhanced dependence on the absorbed power. The use of concentrated Nd:YAG crystals enables a better use of the pump power and increases the overall efficiency of the frequency-doubling devices.