Abstract

Operational characteristics of a compact CW Nd:YAG laser pumped by diode arrays with a diffusive reflector are investigated. In this laser, diode arrays are placed in 3-fold symmetric positions perpendicular to the Nd:YAG side surface and diode laser beams are transferred into the diffusive cavity directly through narrow slits. A specially designed alignment tool was used to center the diode on the slits. With a short linear resonator, we investigated the pump power dependence of output power. The optical slope efficiency and optical-to-optical efficiency of the laser were measured for several values of the output coupler reflectance The laser showed a large optical slope efficiency of 55.5 % with a 11 % output coupler when the output power of diode laser was 182 W Leakage of diode power through narrow slit of diffusive reflector was measured to analyze the results.

© 1999 Optical Society of America