Continuous-wave and Q-switched performance of an Yb:YAG/YAG composite thin disk ceramic laser pumped with 970-nm laser diode

Abstract

Using front face-pumped compact active mirror laser (CAMIL) structure, we have demonstrated an Yb:YAG/YAG composite ceramic disk laser with pumping wavelength at 970 run. The laser has been operated in both continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switching modes. Under CW operation, laser output power of 1.05 W with 2% transmission output coupler was achieved at the wavelength of 1031 nm. Q-switched laser output was gotten by using an acousto-optic Q-switch. The repetition rate ranged from 1 to 30 kHz and the pulse width varied from 166 to 700 ns.