Novel, compact, and simple ND:YVO4 laser with 12 W of CW optical output power and good beam quality

Abstract

We present first, promising experiments with a novel, compact and simple Nd:YVO 4 slab laser with 12 W of 1.06 μm optical output power and a beam quality factor M 2 ~ 2.5. The laser is made of a diffusion-bonded YVO 4 /Nd:YVO 4 composite crystal that exhibits two unique features. First, it ensures a one-dimensional heat removal from the laser crystal, which leads to a temperature profile without detrimental influence on the laser beam. Thus, the induced thermo-optical aberrations to the laser field are low, allowing power scaling with good beam quality. Second, the composite crystal itself acts as a waveguide for the 809 nm pumplight that is supplied from a diode laser bar. Pump-light shaping optics, e.g. fast-or slow-axis collimators can be omitted, reducing the complexity of the system. Pump-light redundancy can be easily achieved. Eventually, the investigated slab laser might be suitable for distortion-free high gain amplification of weak optical signals.