High-power, continuous-wave and blue light generation by intracavity frequency doubling of a Cr : LiSrAlF6 laser

Thermal quenching phenomena in a Cr doped LiSrAlF6 (Cr:LiSAF) laser pumped by a laser diode (LD) was studied to improve the second harmonic generation (SHG). The second harmonic to obtain blue light was generated by an intrac avity frequency doubled solid state laser where LiB3O5 (LBO) crystal was in serted in the cavity. A circular pumping beam profile was essential to supp ress thermal quenching, which was realized by the arrangement of horizontal and vertical two LD pumping or bundled fiber pumping. In particular for th e latter case, blue light of 120 mW was obtained with pump power of 1200 mW .