SINGLE-FREQUENCY LASER USING A 100-MU-M THICK ND-YVO4 CRYSTAL IN A 50-MM LONG CAVITY

A new type of single-frequency solid state laser for achieving a highl y stable second-harmonic generation in a simple configuration was deve loped using a quite thin laser medium. A 100-mu m thick Nd:YVO4 crysta l with one side coated for high reflection in a 50-mm long cavity whic h serves as automatic gain discriminator was end-pumped by a laser dio de. Single-frequency output powers of 100 mW and 17 mW were obtained f or fundamental and second-harmonic waves respectively by 1-W excitatio n. No chaotic fluctuation was observed with the frequency-doubled outp ut.