Evaluation of CaLaSOAP: Nd for high-power flash-pumped <i>Q</i>-switched lasers

Abstract

Pump-induced thermal lensing and bifocusing have been measured for flash-pumped CaLaSOAP:Nd, together with long-pulse and Q-switched laser efficiencies. The results show that CaLaSOAP:Nd maintains its high efficiency in the Q-switched mode, that it is capable of average power operation exceeding 1 J at 30 pps, and that bifocusing is less severe in CaLaSOAP:Nd than in YAG:Nd.