Miniature diode-pumped Nd : YAIG lasers

Abstract

A miniaturized Nd : YAIG laser is described, in which a 5 × 0.45‐mm laser rod is end pumped by a single incoherent GaAs_1−xP_x light‐emitting diode. Laser threshold was achieved at room temperature in a pulse pumped mode of operation. The measured threshold optical power incident on the end of the laser rod was 19 mW at 24°C. Based on an extrapolation from known Ga_1−xAl_xAs diode performance, it is concluded that present technology can provide diode pumps to drive a miniature Nd : YAIG laser 2.4 times above threshold continuously at room temperature.