PULSED-LASER PERFORMANCE AT 1.06-MU-M FROM ND-SGGM

A single Xe gas filled flash lamp has been used to pump a Nd-doped SGG M rod 5 mm in diameter and 80 mm in length. Laser emission has been ob served at 1.06 mum in the free running mode of operation in the input energy range of 1-25 J. The laser performance has been evaluated using two different diffuse/filter combinations to block the ultraviolet ra diation from the Xe lamp and the results have been compared. The intri nsic slope efficiency was determined to be approximately 1.5% with an 80% output coupler and a spectralon diffuser.