Continuous wave and passively Q-switched laser performance of the mixed crystal Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4

Abstract

Laser characteristics of a novel mixed laser crystal Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 was investigated. It is attractive for Q-switching with high repetition rate and short pulse width due to its suitable stimulated emission cross-section and short upper level lifetime. Continuous wave (CW) output power of 8.18 W was obtained at the pump power of 18.9 W, corresponding to the optical conversion efficiency of 43.3% and the slope efficiency of 47%. In the passive Q-switching operation, the minimum pulse width attained was 7.8 ns, with the pulse repetition frequency of 23.2 kHz, with the single pulse energy and peak power estimated to be 94.8 μJ and 12.2 kW, respectively. © 2010 by Astro Ltd.