Abstract

The laser transitions ⁴F_3/2-⁴I_9/2 of Nd-doped materials are of great interest for blue laser radiation generation using frequency doubling. The emission wavelength of Nd:YVO₄ at 914 nm¹ is considerably shorter than the corresponding wavelength of Nd:YAG at 946 nm.² The second harmonic at 457 nm represents actually the ideal “blue” providing the greatest colour gamut in additive mixing of the primary colours. Bright laser displays are consequently one application of this system. Apart from this, the laser can be also used as powerful replacement of Dye lasers or as allsolid-state solution for precision spectroscopy, such as optical clocks based on Mg-atoms.³ Another advantage of Nd: YVO₄ is the higher absorption cross section for pumping with laser diodes at 808 nm wavelength. Laser operation of Nd:YVO₄ imposes however higher demands on pump power density and effective cooling of the crystal than Nd:YAG as the population of the lower laser level is considerably higher and the thermal properties (thermal conductivity) are less favourite. For both reasons, the thin disk laser design⁴ seems to be the most suitable choice for operation of Nd doped materials with wavelengths below 950 nm.

© 2002 Optical Society of America