1.6 W single-mode oscillation from a novel monolithic ring laser

The output power of monolithic ring lasers is limited to 1-2 W by pump-light induced thermo-optical aberrations. The novel cavity design consists of a Nd:YAG disk of 100 /spl mu/m thickness, which is diffusion-bonded on top of an undoped YAG ring laser. The novel cavity design shows potential for power scaling of monolithic ring lasers. The oscillating Eigenmode within the cavity is polarized elliptically.