The effect of gain crystal temperature on a miniature single frequency Nd:YVO/sub 4/ laser

Summary form only given. Microchip lasers represent highly efficient sources of laser radiation and are easily mass produced at low cost. However, it is difficult to operate them on a single frequency at output powers greater than about 150 mW. Hence, laser geometries that maintain the simplicity exhibited by microchip lasers yet which can be operated on a single frequency at higher output powers are of great interest. In the paper we demonstrate the potential of a birefringent filter, consisting of a Brewster plate and a birefringent crystal, as a frequency selective element in a micro-laser which has additionally, a birefringent gain crystal. Single frequency output powers greater than 760 mW have been obtained at 1064 nm for 2 W of diode laser pump power.