Nd:MgO:LiNbO_3 continuous-wave laser pumped by a laser diode

Abstract

Diode-pumped laser oscillation was achieved in Nd:MgO:LiNbO(3). The absorbed pump power thresholds were as low as 1.9 mW for the high-gain or pi polarization and 8 mW for the low-gain polarization. A cw output power of 2 mW was obtained for the pi polarization at lambda = 1.085 microm for 9 mW of absorbed pump power. A slope efficiency of 37% was achieved. The diode-pumped Nd:MgO:LiNbO(3) lasers operated for extended periods of time without exhibiting any reduction in output power.