Laser-diode-pumped Cr^4+,Nd^3+:YAG with self-Q-switched laser output of 14 W

Abstract

By use of a laser diode as a pump source, a self-Q-switched laser from a Cr, Nd:YAG crystal is demonstrated. The output Q-switched traces are very stable, the threshold pump power is 3.5 W, the pulse duration is 50 ns, and the slope efficiency is as high as 20%. In addition, the pulse width remains constant while the pulse repetition rate varies with pump power.