Micro-optics for Laser-Diode Bar Collimation for Pumping Solid-State Lasers

A longitudinally pumped Nd:YAG laser using a 1-cm long CW laser diode bar as a pump source is reported. Two micro optic arrays were developed to collimate the laser diode bar output prior to pumping the Nd:YAG crystal. One configuration produced 600 mW output power at 16% slope efficiency.