Efficient channel-waveguide laser in Nd : GGG at 1.062 mu m wavelength

Channel waveguide lasers in crystals of neodymium-doped gadolinium-gallium- garnet are realized. They are based on single-mode rib waveguides prepared by liquid phase epitaxy. By this growth technique the incorporation of cert ain impurities, which may cause severe quenching, is inevitable. The domina nt quenching process could be identified and eliminated. Channel waveguides with extremely low losses, down to 0.25 dB/cm for both TE and TM modes, ar e fabricated by ion-beam etching. As a result, low thresholds of 5 mW and h igh slope efficiencies of 48% at the laser wavelength of 1.062 mu m could b e achieved when pumping at a wavelength of 807 nm. (C) 1999 American Instit ute of Physics. [S0003-6951(99)04735-X].