Premium
Low‐wavelength emission of Nd‐doped lasers
Author(s) -
Balembois F.,
Castaing M.,
Hérault E.,
Georges P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
laser and photonics reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.778
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1863-8899
pISSN - 1863-8880
DOI - 10.1002/lpor.201000044
Subject(s) - laser , materials science , optoelectronics , diode , neodymium , doping , wavelength , optics , tunable laser , laser pumping , physics
This paper gives an overview of the results obtained with diode‐pumped Neodymium‐doped crystals operating below 900 nm. Operation at such low wavelengths requires considering the strong thermal population of the lower level of the laser transition. Based on a theoretical study and simulations, the paper presents the challenges related to the design of these three‐level lasers. Experimental results are given with Nd:YAG and Nd:vanadate crystals. It is explained how to deal with the line competition with emission at 946 nm or 912 nm. Finally, intracavity second‐harmonic generation is presented. The output powers reach a few hundred mW at wavelengths below 450 nm. Hence, the paper demonstrates the potential of Nd‐doped diode‐pumped solid‐state lasers for applications in the blue range, in replacement of gas lasers such as helium‐cadmium lasers.