Intracavity frequency doubling of a continuous wave Ti:sapphire laser with over 70% conversion efficiency

Abstract

Efficient tunable ultraviolet generation by intracavity frequency doubling of a continuous wave Ti:sapphire laser was demonstrated. Maximum output is obtained of 460 mW at 398 nm corresponding to a total infrared-to-ultraviolet conversion efficiency over 70%. High conversion efficiency was resulted from a critically phase-matched, temperature-tuned lithium triborate crystal and a novel resonator design. The observed laser damage of the crystal coatings is also discussed.