Abstract

The ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 transition at 946 nm in Nd:YAG attracts particular attention as it allows generation of blue light by frequency doubling. However, efficient lasing on this transition (R₁ → Z₅) is considerably more difficult to achieve than on the 1064 nm line. The problems with the 946 nm transition are its quasi-three-level nature and a very small stimulated-emission cross section. There is another, even weaker ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 transition at 938.5 nm (R₂ → Z₅).¹ An output power exceeding 1 W was first reported as late as 1996.² However, generation of blue light by frequency doubling of this laser line has not been reported yet.

© 2002 Optical Society of America