Abstract

We report, for the first time to our knowledge, on the noise characteristics of a Nd:YVO₄ laser pumped by a laser diode modulated at high frequency. We have investigated noise characteristics of a Nd:YVO₄ laser pumped by a laser diode that is oscillating in a stable multilongitudinal mode because of modulation by a high-frequency (several hundred megahertz) current. As a result, low-noise operations of −130 dB/Hz above frequencies of 1 MHz have been achieved. This noise level is comparable to the level obtained when pumping a Nd:YVO₄ laser with a laser diode that is oscillating in a single longitudinal mode. However, a noise peak corresponding to relaxation oscillations of the Nd:YVO₄ laser has appeared around a frequency of several hundred kilohertz.

© 1994 Optical Society of America

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