CW and Q-switched performance of end-pumped Yb:YAG laser with elliptical mode geometry

Abstract

We report the high beam quality diode end-pumped Q-switched Yb:YAG laser operating at 1030 nm wavelength with elliptical cavity mode configuration operating at 1-100 kHz repetition rates. We have performed measurements of highly astigmatic thermal lens in laser active element by means of Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor that provides necessary data for laser cavity design. With optimized laser cavity the output beam quality parameter M 2 does not exceed 1.2 value even at maximum pump power of 50 W.