Development of low-cost multi-watt yellow lasers using InGaAs/GaAs vertical external-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We demonstrate a highly strained InGaAs/GaAs VECSEL operating at 1173 nm with more than 8.5 W output power and tunable over 40 nm. High-efficiency yellow-orange emission is then achieved by intra-cavity frequency doubling. Over 5 W of CW output power in the 585-589 nm spectral regions is achieved. This compact low-cost high-power yellow-orange laser provides an innovative alternative for sodium guidestar lasers or other medical / communication applications.