High-power Nd:YAG-MISER

Summary form only given. MISERs (monolithic isolated single-mode end-pumped ring lasers) represent the most stable class of single-frequency laser sources currently available. These lasers are traveling wave ring oscillators with an intrinsic optical diode. We have demonstrated a novel MISER made of an undoped YAG crystal and a thin Nd:YAG disc, which is diffusion-bonded on top of it. The maximum single-frequency output power is 600 mW. The system is currently not optimized and has a potential of power scaling up to 8 W. Due to the advantages of the thin disc, the novel MISER is especially well suited for quasi-three level lasing systems with narrow gain bandwidths.