We present in this paper the highest, to our knowledge, average output power and conversion efficiency at 1572-nm signal wavelength for intracavity optical parametric oscillator (IOPO) inside acousto-optic Q-switched Nd:YVO₄ laser end pumped by 15-W power fiber coupled diode. The Nd:YVO₄ laser of the 147-mm long cavity gives 3-W average output power at 1064-nm wavelength at repetition rate 40 kHz. The additional separating mirror and x-cut KTP crystal form, with the output coupler high reflective at 1064-nm and partially transparent at 1572-nm wavelength flat-flat IOPO resonator of 35-mm length. We have achieved 3-ns duration pulses for 20-mm long KTP and 4-ns duration pulses for 30-mm KTP length, respectively. Up to 1.5 W of an average power at the signal wavelength for 40 kHz repetition rate of acousto-optic Q-switch was demonstrated. Due to intracavity gain guiding effect, diffraction limited signal beam was achieved. Maximum peak power of 10 kW was demonstrated. Conversion efficiency of 50% with respect to Q-switched output at 1064-nm wavelength and 11% with respect to diode pump power were achieved.

Date Published: 23 March 2005
PDF: 4 pages
Proc. SPIE 5777, XV International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers, (23 March 2005); doi: 10.1117/12.611045

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5777:
XV International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers
Jarmila Kodymova, Editor(s)