Efficient Cr,Nd:Gd3Sc2Ga3O12 laser at 1.06 μm pumped by visible GaInP/AlGaInP laser diodes

Abstract

The 1.06 μm Nd transition in co-doped Cr,Nd:Gd3Sc 2Ga3O12 (Cr,Nd:GSGG) is obtained by diode pumping Cr3+ at 670 nm and is shown to produce efficient, low-threshold laser operation. Both cw and long-pulse diode pumping were demonstrated, with pump power levels as high as 300 mW cw and 1 W pulsed. The lowest threshold power measured was 938 μW, and the highest output power obtained was 43 mW cw and 173 mW pulsed. The best slope efficiency obtained was 42.1%, 78% of the theoretical maximum. Loss measurements indicate a value of 0.4% cm-1.