Abstract

Recent advances in materials processing, fiber optics, and transition metal lasers have increased interest in high-power 1.3-μm operation of various Nd-doped laser materials. This paper describes the design and operation of a high-average-power long-pulse Nd:YAG oscillator emitting in excess of 8 J/pulse at 5 Hz and up to 165 W of laser output at 50 Hz. We believe this is the highest average power and energy per pulse ever reported for a 1.3-μm solid-state laser. Key design considerations were the suppression of the high-gain 1.06-μm transition through use of a multiple-mirror resonator and the enhancement of brightness by compensation of thermally induced tensing in the laser rod.

© 1986 Optical Society of America