Efficient high-power orthogonally-polarized dual-wavelength Nd:YLF laser at 1314 and 1321 nm

Abstract

We demonstrate an 806 nm laser diode end-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and actively Q-switched (AQS) orthogonally-polarized dual-wavelength Nd:YLF laser operating at 1314 and 1321 nm. Benefitting from the small difference of the stimulated emission cross sections at 1314 and 1321 nm in Nd:YLF crystal, the power equalized emissions at both wavelengths were achieved by simply titling the output coupler. A maximum CW output power of 9.2 W was obtained with the incident pump power of 32.5 W, giving an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of approximately 28% and a slope efficiency of approximately 33%. Furthermore, active Q-switching was realized by inserting a Brewster-cut acousto optic modulator. For an incident pump power of 30 W, this oscillator delivered an average power of 6.5 W at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 20 kHz, and a pulse energy of 2.6 mJ with a peak power of approximately 72 kW at a PRF of 1 kHz.