Highly efficient Nd:YVO4 diode-laser end-pumped laser

Abstract
We report on the first diode‐laser (nominal 200‐mW 10‐stripe laser diode) end‐pump lasing of Nd:YVO4. The lowest threshold (30 mW) and highest output power (120 mW) were observed from the Nd:YVO4 laser as compared to a similar Nd:YAG laser. Over 50% optical slope efficiency was obtained, the highest yet reported for diode pumping. This device performed at a 10% overall efficiency. Measurements over a 21‐nm range show the advantages of the Nd:YVO4 pump absorption band.