Abstract

Using a side-pumped, Nd:YLF slab laser design, we have obtained a TEM00- mode output power of 25.7 W with 43.5% optical efficiency and a multimode output of nearly 36 W with 46% efficiency. As an amplifier of a SESAM-mode-locked laser, the same design has allowed us to generate, with 4.5-ps pulses at a 100-MHz rate, 15.7 W of average power in the fundamental and 2.9 W of power at the fourth harmonic.

© 2000 Optical Society of America