GRADIENT-INDEX-MIRROR SOLID-STATE LASERS

The properties of diode-pumped lasers with gradient-index (GRIN)-mirro r resonators are described. The total loss of typical GRIN elements is measured and is found to be comparable with conventional mirrors. The efficiency, threshold, and modal quality of GRIN-mirror Nd:YAG lasers are shown to compare favorably with conventional designs. In addition , a polarized single-frequency laser that uses GRIN elements in conjun ction with metal-film etalons is constructed and is shown to deliver o utput powers comparable with those of more complicated single-frequenc y designs.