Abstract

Tunable, single-frequency, Nd based microchip lasers have been piezoelectrically frequency modulated over several hundred MHz at rates from dc to 25 MHz. They have also been gain-switched to produce pulses shorter than 120 ps. CW thresholds of less than 0.7 mW have been observed at room temperature, with slope efficiencies of greater than 46%. Single-frequency, diode-pumped operation has been maintained at output powers greater than 51 mW. Heterodyne measurements show an instrument-limited linewidth of less than 5 kHz. Microchip lasers demonstrate ways to greatly reduce the cost and complexity of fabricating small lasers and electro-optic devices.

© 1989 Optical Society of America