Continuous-wave laser properties of the self-frequency-doubling YAl_3(BO_3)_4: Nd crystal

Abstract

In this paper the laser properties of Nd3+ ion in yttrium aluminum borate crystal are systematically investigated under continuous-wave end pumping by using a Ti:sapphire tunable laser. Spectral characteristics in the diode-pumping region are analyzed, and no significant excited-state absorption of pumping radiation is predicted. Internal losses are determined to be as low as 0.02 cm-1 and a net-gain cross section of 1.7×10-19 cm2 for the infrared laser line at 1062 nm. Different cavity configurations devoted to demonstrate the possibility of low threshold, high slope efficiency at 1062 nm, and efficient laser generation at 531 nm by self-frequency doubling are investigated for the ordinary and extraordinary beams.