Abstract

Solid-state lasers with absorption bands between 0.7 and 0.9 μm have been efficiently pumped by AlGaAs laser diode arrays. Previously, we reported 370-mW 1.06-μm cw TEM₀₀ output from Nd:YAG end pumped by a monolithic (SDL-2430) 100-μm laser diode array. Here we report 10.8% electrical to optical conversion efficiency for Nd:YAG at 415-mW 1.06-μm cw TEM₀₀ output. The maximum cw output power was 465 mW (9.3% efficiency) in the TEM₀₀ mode, which is the highest cw power generated for the efficient end pump configuration.

© 1987 Optical Society of America