10 Watt sources at 914 nm and 1064 nm based on Nd:YVO_4 passively-Q-switched laser amplified in cladding-pumped Nd:fiber

摘要

Current high-power diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser systems are large, and require temperature-regulated chillers for control of pump laser diodes. We have demonstrated a laser architecture based on fiber that could lead to compact and efficient systems, needing no chillers, that would allow the construction of powerful IR, visible and UV sources. This system, based on a small, low-power passively Q-switched laser amplified in cladding-pumped fiber, opens up a new range of repetition rates and pulse lengths, with average power in the same range or higher than conventional lasers. The repetition rates and pulse lengths accessible are intermediate between what is possible with conventional mode-locked lasers and Q-switched lasers. We are hopeful that this will become a useful source for laser radar systems and for micro-machining applications.