High-efficiency diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively Q-switched c-cut Nd:LaMgAl11O19 (Nd:LMA) lasers

Abstract We report on diode-pumped continuous-wave and passively Q-switched c-cut Nd:LMA lasers. For continuous-wave operation, the maximum output power reaches 3.10 W with slope efficiency of about 48.9% at 1055 nm and 2.63 W with slope efficiency of 43.1% at 1082 nm. For passively Q switched operation, using a Cr:YAG as saturable absorber, the achieved maximum average output power is 1.49 W at 1055 nm with pulse width of 18.4 ns. Moreover, we have also realized simultaneous dual-wavelength laser operation at 1055 and 1082 nm with a maximum average output power of 1.22 W and a pulse width of 19.4 ns. Furthermore, inserting an etalon for suppressing the 1055 nm line, we have operated single wavelength laser at 1082 nm with output power of 0.31 W and pulse width of 20.8 ns. This work has verified the potential of Nd:LMA crystal as a laser gain medium.