High-power diode-pumped continuous-wave Nd3+ lasers at wavelengths near 1.44 mu m

We demonstrate longitudinally diode-pumped operation of Nd:YAG and Nd:YAP lasers at the long-wavelength end of the F-4(3/2) I-4(13/2) transition in the eye-safe spectral region at 1444 and 1430 nm, respectively. Special crystal coatings were required for achievement of lasing at these wavelengths. Output powers of up to 4.9 and 2.2 W, with slope efficiencies of up to 22% and 8%, respectively, were achieved. Polarized operation of the Nd:YAG laser yielded output powers of 76% as compared with unpolarized operation. Because of thermal stress, both YAG and YAP crystals were fractured at roughly 25 W of absorbed longitudinal pump power. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.