Abstract

We discuss high brightness optical pumping implemented in a unique Q-switched, TEM₀₀, Nd: YVO₄ based Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) laser source. High brightness pumping enables high gain and high efficiency operation of the MOPA while maintaining short pulse output at high pulse repetition frequencies; this benefits non-linear optical processes since conversion efficiency and output power are dramatically increased by gain. We have used this “bright” driver laser to pump various non-linear optical materials and achieved high conversion efficiencies in higher order harmonic generation and parametric conversion across a broad pulse repetition rate range from 20 kHz to 100 kHz.

© 1999 Optical Society of America