Efficient laser performance of Yb : Y 3 Al 5 O 12 / Cr 4 + : Y 3 Al 5 O 12 composite crystals

Highly efficient passively Q-switched lasers of Yb:Y3Al5O12/Cr:Y3Al5O12 (Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG) composite crystals have been demonstrated with an optical-to-optical efficiency of 36%. A slope efficiency of 44% was achieved with respect to the absorbed pump power. An average output power of over 1.75 W was obtained at an absorbed pump power of 4.8 W. Laser pulses with a pulse energy of over 180 μJ, a pulse width of 3 ns and a peak power of 60 kW were achieved. Near-diffraction-limited laser beams with M2 less than 1.3 were obtained. The effects of the absorbed pump power and the transmission of the output coupler on the laser performance of Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG composite crystals were addressed. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)

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