Efficient, tunable, zero-line diode-pumped, continuous-wave Yb3+:Ca4LnO(BO3)3 (Ln = Gd,Y) lasers at room temperature and application to miniature lasers

We demonstrate an efficient cw 976-nm-diode-pumped Yb(3+):Ca(4)GdO(BO(3))(3) laser. At room temperature we obtained 814 mW of power with a slope efficiency of 77% and a small-signal gain per round trip of 1.67. We also demonstrate that the Yb(3+):Ca(4)LnO(BO(3))(3) (Ln = Gd, Y) crystals are suitable for a plano-plano microchip-type cavity. With this microlaser we have obtained an average power of 300 mW, which corresponds to an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 27%. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America.