Simple high-efficiency diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 slab laser

A diode laser-pumped Nd: YVO4 slab laser with side pumping configuration is presented in this paper. A folded confocal resonator configuration produces a maximum of 7mJ multi mode laser energy for the output coupler reflectivity of 70%. The optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 29.86%. and slope efficiency of 35.6% are reported in this investigation. Straight-through resonator arrangement and directly side-coupled technique provide high efficiency with design simplicity of this laser.