Efficient laser performance of N:dGdVO_4 crystals grown by the floating zone method

Efficient laser performance is demonstrated with Nd:GdVO4 crystals grown by the floating zone method. With a 2-at. % Nd-doped crystal a slope efficiency of 67% is achieved with pumping at 808 nm. We also find that pumping at 879 nm with a bandwidth of 1.8 nm is practical for laser diode pumping. With this pumping level the slope efficiency reaches 78%. High-quality Nd:GdVO4 crystals are successfully grown with as much as 15-at. % Nd concentration by the floating zone method without inclusions or macroscopic defects. Homogeneity and high reproducibility of crystal growth are confirmed.