Kilowatt Yb:YAG Laser Illuminator

Abstract : We report 0.6 kW quasi-cw output power for our diode- side-pumped Yb:YAG power oscillator. This 2-mm diameter rod pump cavity is the smallest of three pump cavities slated for use in a multi-kilowatt Yb:YAG illuminator master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) source. In preliminary results, we have also obtained 225 W cw average output power using alternative cw pump diode arrays. Latest performance data and on-going MOPA development will be described.