Efficient continuous-wave in-band pumped Nd:KY(MoO4)2 laser

Abstract

We report on highly-efficient laser operation in the orthorhombic Nd3+:KY(MoO4)2 (Nd:KYMo) double molybdate crystal. 2 at.% Nd:KYMo crystals were grown by the Czochralski method under low temperature gradients. Under Ti:Sapphire laser pumping at 874 nm (in-band, 4I9/2 → 4F3/2 transition), a compact continuous-wave (CW) c-cut Nd:KYMo laser generated 0.43 W at 1067 nm with a slope efficiency of 71% (with respect to the absorbed pump power) and a laser threshold of only 40 mW. For a standard pump wavelength of ~810 nm, the peak output was scaled to 0.55 W in a quasi-CW mode. A negative thermal lens has been detected for Nd:KYMo.