Title :
Low-heat high-power scaling using InGaAs-diode-pumped Yb:YAG lasers
Author :
Bruesselbach, Hans W. ; Sumida, David S. ; Reeder, Robin A. ; Byren, Robert W.
Author_Institution :
Hughes Res. Labs., Malibu, CA, USA
fDate :
2/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We report to our knowledge the highest to date quasi-CW output power, 600 W and pulse energy, >1 J, for an InGaAs diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser. In separate preliminary results, we have also obtained 225 W of average output power under true CW diode pumping. This performance was obtained using a laser head designed to be part of a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) operating at 3 kW. We summarize why the diode-pumped Yb:YAG crystal laser is ideal for scaling to high average powers and the different approaches being pursued. We also report our latest results for side-pumped rod devices
Keywords :
optical pumping; solid lasers; ytterbium; 1 J; 225 W; 3 kW; 600 W; InGaAs; InGaAs diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser; InGaAs-diode-pumped Yb:YAG lasers; YAG:Yb; YAl5O12:Yb; average output power; high average power scaling; laser head design; low-heat high-power scaling; master oscillator power amplifier; pulse energy; quasi-CW output power; side-pumped rod devices; true CW diode pumping; Diodes; Indium gallium arsenide; Optical design; Optical pulses; Oscillators; Power amplifiers; Power generation; Power lasers; Pulse amplifiers; Pump lasers;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/2944.585822
