Diode-pumped solid state lasers with kilowatt average power

In this paper we discuss progress toward the development of kilowatt-class diode-pumped lasers with beam quality approaching the diffraction limit. The development of high- efficiency, high-brightness lasers will open new applications for precision laser machining. The design and performance of diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers with average powers in the kilowatt range are addressed. Fibertek, Inc. is presently developing laser systems at this power level for industrial applications such as drilling, cutting, and welding. This work has a goal of producing 0.5 to 2.5 kW average power with less than four times diffraction-limited beam quality (2.6 mm - mr, D(Theta) /4). Both rod and slab architectures are under development. This talk covers initial results with diode-pumped rod lasers operating at up to 500 W average power.