Laser-diode end-pumped Tm 3+ :YAG eye-safe laser

The lasing characteristics of a laser-diode end-pumped Tm:YAG laser were investigated. We obtained a laser output power of 124 mW, a slope efficiency of 36%, and a threshold power of 77 mW with a 3% Tm-doped YAG crystal at room temperature. This lasing performance was improved when the crystal was cooled. The dependencies of both slope efficiency and threshold power on temperature were measured.