~5 W output power Q-switched Yb:YAG laser with elliptical mode geometry

Abstract

We report on high beam quality diode end-pumped Q-switched Yb:YAG laser with elliptical cavity mode configuration operating at 1÷100 kHz repetition rates. Laser coupler transmittance optimization in CW is carried out. Measurements of thermal lens in laser active element by means of Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor are presented. It is shown that thermal lens in such laser is highly astigmatic. We have also measured laser beam quality parameter M 2 , which does not exceed 1.2 value at the highest pump power.