Abstract

A variety of potential uses for diode-pumped lasers require high-peak power pulses to produce various wavelengths via nonlinear processes. While such performance has been achieved in large side-pumped lasers utilizing many diode arrays¹ and in mode-locked systems,² high component costs preclude wide application of the technologies. By achieving high gain in a small end-pumped spot, high-peak-power pulses have been generated in an inexpensive, straightforward configuration. Peak output powers approaching 1 MW at 500-1000 Hz repetition rate appear practical using this device.

© 1992 Optical Society of America