FREQUENCY TUNING AND STABILITY OF ND-YVO4 IN A DUAL COUPLED-CAVITY

Frequency tuning and stability properties of single- and multi-cavity designs have been investigated theoretically and experimentally. Speci al attention is paid to a dual coupled cavity single-frequency diode-p umped solid-state Nd:YVO4 laser crystal. 350 mW single frequency outpu t power has previously been demonstrated using dual coupled linear cav ity. Frequency tuning versus temperature and cavity length of a couple d cavity Nd:YVO4 have been investigated and compared to those of a non -planar monolithic, unidirectional Nd:YAG ring laser. A way to extend the tuning range by design of the air to crystal length ratio is propo sed. Finally the long term frequency stability of both lasers has been measured. The stability of the lasers are presented through the Allan variance of the frequency fluctuations.