High powered TEM00 mode pulsed laser

摘要

A high power pulsed laser having a Q-switched seed laser lasing at a preselected wavelength at TEM₀₀ mode to produce a pulsed seed beam is disclosed. One or more substantially non-depolarizing optical amplifier media namely Nd:YVO₄ or Nd:GVO₄ crystals are used in optical communication with the seed laser. The optical amplifier media has a stimulated emission spectrum overlapping the preselected wavelength. A pumping source is provided in optical communication with the optical amplifier media to supply 15 watt or more of pumping power to excite the amplifier media and amplify the pulsed seed beam. The resulting laser produces 15 watts or greater of output power at the preselected wavelength. A temperature controller is desirably provided to regulate the temperature of the optical amplifier medium within a preselected range selected to enhance the amplification of the seed beam by increasing the degree of overlap between the stimulated emission spectrum and the seed beam wavelength.