Diode array pumped kilowatt laser

Abstract

The diode array pumped kilowatt laser (DAPKL) has demonstrated more than an order of magnitude increase in brightness and average power for short pulse diode-pumped solid-state lasers since its inception in 1991. Significant advances in component technology have been demonstrated, including: development of a diffusion bonding process for producing large slabs of Nd:YAG laser material. Phase conjugation by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) has been demonstrated with high reflectivity and fidelity in a simple focused geometry with input powers of 100 W. Pulse energies at 1.06 /spl mu/m of 10 J have been demonstrated with a beam quality of 1.5 times diffraction limited at the 500-W level. An average power of 875 W at 100 Hz has been obtained. Efficient frequency doubling with a record power of 165 W has been demonstrated with 5 J per pulse at 0.53 /spl mu/m. Work is ongoing to enclose the system in a compact brassboard with improved performance and long term stability.