High power TEM_00 picosecond output based on a Nd:GdVO_4 discrete path Innoslab amplifier

We propose a technique for eliminating self-lasing and suppressing amplified spontaneous emission in a partially pumped slab amplifier with a discrete path configuration. High gain character and homogeneous gain distribution were well preserved with the proposed scheme. Based on the Nd:GdVO₄ crystal, a 99 W, 12.4 ps TEM₀₀ laser output was achieved with a 42% extraction efficiency. The diffraction limited beam quality remained undisturbed after amplification with Mx2=1.09 and My2=1.07 in the orthogonal directions.