Highly efficient lasers using polycrystalline Nd:YAG ceramics

Highly efficient Nd:YAG ceramic laser at 1064 nm was demonstrated. Using 1 W LD end-pumping scheme, with 883 mW pumping, 499 mW 1064 nm CW laser output has been obtained corresponding to an optical to optical efficiency of 56.5%. High power CW Nd:YAG ceramic rod laser was also demonstrated for the first time. The maximum output power of 3 1 W with 1 8.8% slope efficiency was obtained at 1064 nm. The potential of Nd:YAG ceramic laser was also discussed.