Efficient composite Nd:YVO/Nd:GVO laser with in-band pumping

We have demonstrated a controllable dual-wavelength laser operation of a Nd:GdVO/Nd:YVO composite crystal at 1063 and 1064 nm with in-band diode pumping around 912 nm by simply varying the operational temperature of the laser diode. When compared with the traditional 808 nm pumping, this approach offers simpler laser system, more flexibility in dual-wavelength operation, higher efficiency and lower thermal lensing effect. The laser produced an output power of <4W with a slope efficiency of <45% and 1:1 spectral power ratio.