Scalable diode-end-pumping technology applied to a 100-MJ Q-switched Nd^3+:YLF laser oscillator

Abstract

A compact diode-end-pumped Nd3+:YLF laser oscillator capable of delivering 100 mJ of energy in a 4-ns pulse is demonstrated. A scalable pump architecture is used in which the output from a cylindrical-microlens conditioned-diode array is delivered to the laser rod via a lens duct. As a pump technology, this architecture may permit new applications for diode lasers that were previously not possible.