Continuous-wave operation and Q-switched mode locking of Cr^4+:YAG microchip lasers

Abstract

Cw-operation, gain-switched, and passively Q -switched mode locking of Cr(4+): YAG microchip lasers with output powers of several hundred milliwatts is demonstrated experimentally in the eye-safe region near 1.5microm . Requirements for cw mode locking of such lasers are investigated by numerical simulations.

Monolithic dual-polarization self-mode-locked Nd:YAG 946-nm lasers: controlling beat frequency and observation of temporal chaos

“…Consequently, the monolithic resonator with large mode spacing is particularly suitable for the SML operation [25][26][27][28]. In the early stages, monolithic or bonded cavities were often used in developing the continuous-wave [29][30][31] and passively Q-switched lasers [32][33][34][35] due to the advantage of mechanical stability, compact, and alignment-free manufacturing.…”

Wedged etalon tuning for miniature and monolithic lasers

“…2), Cr:LiSAF, 3 Yb:YAG, 4 Cr:YAG. 5 While some of these crystals are capable of lasing over a broad wavelength range, the microchip cavity structure does not lend itself to standard tuning techniques, such as birefringent tuning or etalon tuning; these techniques rely on the rotation of the tuning element relative to the optical path to achieve tuning and so cannot be applied to a monolithic laser design. Coupled-cavity designs have been used to achieve broad tunability, 3 while maintaining a monolithic structure, or alternatively miniaturized conventional laser architectures may be used that maintain the advantage of a short cavity but lose the key advantages of ease of mass production, simplicity, and robustness.…”