Potential of ceramic YAG lasers

Abstract

Optical properties including optical absorption, emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime have been investigated for polycrystalline Nd-doped Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) ceramics. Very similar results were obtained with that of Nd:YAG single crystals. Highly efficient laser oscillation at 1064 nm has been obtained with this kind of ceramic. 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 using virtual point source (VPS) system. The maximum output power of 84 W with slope efficiency of 36.3% was obtained at 1064 rim. The future of Nd:YAG ceramic laser was also discussed.