Abstract

New efficient solid-state laser materials - lanthanum beryllate (Nd:BEL) and potassium gadolinium tungstate (Nd:KGW) - for laser diode pumping were compared with the most popular Nd:YAG crystal. Nd:YAG, Nd:BEL and Nd:KGW were pumped in the same cavity conditions suitable for intracavity frequency doubling: R_in>99.98% and R_out=99.9%. The relation between the output power and pump radiation wavelength was investigated in the range 807.5 - 811.5 nm. Both for Nd:BEL and Nd:KGW the obtained dependence is much weaker than the one expected from the absorption spectra. An interpretation of this behavior for high Nd -doping crystals is proposed.

© 1996 IEEE