High-power end-pumped CWNd : GdVO4 laser formed with flat-flat cavity

Formed with a flat-flat resonator, a diode-laser-array end-pumped CW Nd:GdV O4 laser at 1.06 mu m, capable of generating 5.6 W of TEM00 output power wi th optical conversion efficiency of 43% and slope efficiency of 48%, has be en developed. The laser beam was nearly diffraction limited, with the beam quality factor measured to be M-2 = 1.22. Under the conditions of multimode operation, the laser was able to produce 11.2 W of low-order transverse mo de radiation (M-2 < 2) at the incident pump power of 22 W, giving an optica l conversion efficiency of 51%, and a slope efficiency of 55%. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.