An efficient high-power 946nm Nd:YAG Planar Waveguide Laser

Abstract: To date increasing the output power of Nd:YAG lasers operating on the three-level 4F3/2→4I9/2 transition has been restricted by detrimental thermal effects in the gain medium. Using a double-clad planar waveguide an efficient 946nm laser has been demonstrated that produced 35W of output power with corresponding slope and optical-to-optical conversion efficiencies of 56 % and 50%, respectively. Performance and further power-scaling possibilities are discussed. PACS: