1064 nm Nd:YAG laser intracavity pumped at 946 nm

We present for the first time a Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm intracavity pumped by a 946 nm diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser. A 885 nm laser diode is used to pump the first Nd:YAG crystal emitting at 946 nm, and the second Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 nm intracavity pumped at 946 nm. We achieved an output power of 7.97 W at 1064 nm for an absorbed pump power at 946 nm of 9.55 W, corresponding to an optical efficiency of 83.4%. The beam quality M² quality factor is about 1.1 at the maximum output power.     

High-power and high optical conversion efficiency diode-end-pumped laser with multi-segmented Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO_4

A novel flat-flat resonator consisting of two crystals(Nd:YAG + Nd:YVO_4) is established for power scaling in a diode-end-pumped solid-state laser. We systematically compare laser characteristics between multi-segmented(Nd:YAG + Nd:YVO_4) and conventional composite(Nd:YAG + Nd:YAG) crystals to demonstrate the feasibility of spectral line matching for output power scale-up in end-pumped lasers. A maximum continuous-wave output power of 79.2 W is reported at 1064 nm, with M_x~2= 4.82, M_y~2= 5.48, and a pumping power of 136 W in the multi-segmented crystals(Nd:YAG + Nd:YVO_4). Compared to conventional composite crystals(Nd:YAG + Nd:YAG), the optical-optical conversion efficiency of multi-segmented crystals(Nd:YAG + Nd:YVO4) from 808 nm to 1064 nm is enhanced from 30% to 58.8%,while the laser output sensitivity as affected by the diode-laser temperature is reduced from 55% to 9%.     

Quantitative studies of copper plasma using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

In the present work, we present the spatial evolution of the copper plasma produced by the fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) and second harmonic (532 nm) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The experimentally observed line profiles of neutral copper have been used to extract the electron temperature using the Boltzmann plot method, whereas, the electron number density has been determined from the Stark broadening. Besides we have studied the variation of electron temperature and electron number density as a function of laser energy at atmospheric pressure. The Cu I lines at 333.78, 406.26, 465.11 and 515.32 nm are used for the determination of electron temperature. The relative uncertainty in the determination of electron temperature is ≈10%. The electron temperature calculated for the fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser is 10500–15600 K, and that for the second harmonic (532 nm) of Nd:YAG laser is 11500–14700 K at a Q Switch delay of 40 μs. The electron temperature has also been calculated as a function of laser energy from the target surface for both modes of the laser. We have also studied the spatial behavior of the electron number density in the plume. The electron number densities close to the target surface (0.05 mm), in the case of fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser having pulse energy 135 mJ and second harmonic (532 nm) of Nd:YAG laser with pulse energy 80 mJ are 2.50×10¹⁶ and 2.60×10¹⁶ cm⁻³, respectively.     

2.5-W, continuous-wave, 629-nm solid-state laser source

We report an efficient, high-power, cw, 629-nm laser source based on a diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser and a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) frequency converter. This device integrates two separate frequency-conversion steps in a single crystal, taking advantage of the ability to fabricate PPLN with nearly arbitrary grating periods and phase-matching temperatures. This device uses a single PPLN crystal that has two grating regions in series. The first region quasi-phase matches a standard optical parametric oscillator process (1064nm?1540nm +3450nm), and the second region quasi-phase matches a sum-frequency process whereby the pump and the signal light make red light (1064nm+1540nm ?629nm). Using a four-mirror ring cavity, we were able to convert 21% of the 1064-nm pump to 629-nm output, yielding 2.5W of red output with 11.8W of input.     

Cross-relaxation and spectral broadening of gain for Nd/Cr:YAG ceramic lasers with white-light pump source under high-temperature operation

Spectral broadening of the fluorescence of a Nd/Cr:YAG ceramic at the 1064 nm lasing wavelength was observed, and the amplification properties at a high temperature were investigated by considering cross-relaxation. These ceramics are promising for use as a solid-laser material pumped with solar or lamp light. It has been found that whenever the temperature of a laser medium is high and a spectral shift occurs, a high small-signal gain remains owing to the broad spectral band and the cross-relaxation. This optical property is remarkably different from that of a Nd:YAG laser. For a conventional Nd:YAG laser, the bandwidth at 1064 nm is 0.45 nm, and a reduction in small-signal gain occurs at a temperature of 373 K because the spectral peak shift is 0.005 nm/K. However, for the Nd/Cr:YAG ceramic, the bandwidths are 1.2 and 1.9 nm in the case of 0.1% Cr ion doping and 3% Cr ion doping, respectively, owing to the existence of excited Cr ions and the shortening of the effective Nd ion coherence time. It is prospected that the laser medium can be used at a high temperature of 600 K.     

Comparison of Nd:YAG Ceramic Laser Pumped at 885nm and 808nm

Laser performance of 1064 nm domestic Nd：YAG ceramic lasers for 885 nm direct pumping and 808 nm traditional pumping are compared. Higher slope efficiency of 34% and maximum output power of 16.5 W are obtained for the 885nm pump with a 6ram length 1 at.% Nd：YAG ceramic. The advantages for 885nm direct pumping are discussed in detail. This pumping scheme for highly doping a Nd：YAG ceramic laser is considered as an available way to generate high power and good beam quality simultaneously.     

All-solid-state continuous-wave frequency doubling Nd:YAG/LBO laser with 8.2 W output power at 660 nm

An efficient and compact red laser at 660 nm is generated by intracavity frequency doubling of continuous wave (CW) laser operation of a diode pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1319 nm under the condition of suppression the higher gain transition near 1064 and 1319 nm under the condition of suppression the higher gain transition near 1064 and 1338 nm. With 40 W diode pump power and a frequency doubling crystal LBO, as high as 8.6 W of CW output power at 660 nm is achieved, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 21.5% and the output power stability in 8 h is better than 2.73%. To the best of our knowledge, this it the highest conversion efficiency of watt-level laser at 660 nm generated by intracavity frequency doubling of a diode end pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1319 nm.     

用1064nm激发的近红外傅里叶变换表面增强拉曼散射技术研究腺嘌呤系列

用１０６４ｎｍ激发的近红外傅里叶变换表面增强拉曼散射技术研究腺嘌呤系列胡凤霞方炎（首都师范大学综合技术研究所，北京１０００３７）ＦｏｕｒｉｅｒＴｒａｎｓｆｏｒｍＳｕｒｆａｃｅ－ＥｎｈａｎｃｅｄＲａｍａｎＳｐｅｃｔｒｏｓｃｏｐｙｏｆＳｅｒｉｅｓｏｆＡｄ...     

39.5% conversion of low-power Q-switched Nd:YAG laser radiation to 266 nm by use of a resonant ring cavity

A simple ring cavity consisting of mirrors reflecting at the second harmonic is used to generate the fourth harmonic of low-power Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses. A large beam waist of 1 mm minimized the effects of double refraction and thermal loading of the nonlinear crystals. By simulating the low-power pulses with a small portion of the output from a 30-Hz flash-lamp-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, we obtained IR-UV energy conversion as great as 39.5% to yield 84-mW average power at 266 nm from 213 mW of single-mode 1064-nm radiation.     

All-Solid-State Nd:YAG Laser Operating at 1064nm and 1319nm under 885nm Thermally Boosted Pumping

We report a high-effciency Nd：YAG laser operating at 1064 nm and 1319nm, respectively, thermally boosted pumped by an all-solid-state Q-switched Ti：sapphire laser at 885 nm. The maximum outputs of 825.4 m W and 459.4mW, at 1064nm and 1319nm respectively, are obtained in a 8-ram-thick 1.1 at.% Nd：YAG crystal with 2.1 W of incident pump power at 885nm, leading to a high slope efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power of 68.5% and 42.0%. Comparative results obtained by the traditional pumping at 808nm are presented, showing that the slope efficiency and the threshold with respect to the absorbed pump power at 1064nm under the 885nm pumping are 12.2% higher and 7.3% lower than those of 808rim pumping. At 1319nm, the slope efficiency and the threshold with respect to the absorbed pump power under 885nm pumping are 9.9% higher and 3.5% lower than those of 808 nm pumping. The heat generation operating at 1064 nm and 1319 nm is reduced by 19.8% and 11.1%, respectively.     

101 W of average green beam from diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG/LBO-based system in a relay imaged cavity

A 52-W green laser at 532 nm by extra-cavity second-harmonic generation in a coupled-cavity configuration is demonstrated. The fundamental laser is a diode-side-pumped acousto-optic (AO) Q-switched Nd:YAG rod laser producing 84 W of average power at 1064 nm at 8 kHz repetition rate. Type-II phase-matched polished KTP crystal is used as the nonlinear crystal for second-harmonic generation. The individual green pulse width is 50 ns and the fundamental to second harmonic conversion efficiency is 61.8%.     

Nd:YAG Lasers Operating at 1064nm and 946nm by Direct Pumping and Thermally Boosted Pumping

We demonstrate a 1064nm Nd：YAG laser by directly pumping into the upper lasing level with a tunable Ti：sapphire laser. The valid wavelength is demonstrated at 868.3nm, 875.2nm, 883.8nm, and 885.5nm, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first time that 1064nm Nd：YAG laser pumped by 875.2nm laser. In addition, laser wavelength at 946 nm is also generated by direct pumping together with traditional pumping.     

Properties of continuous-wave 1123 nm laser with diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG

Laser properties of diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1123 nm are demonstrated. A 1.0 at % Nd-doped Nd:YAG rod with a size of Ø3 × 63 mm² is used as the active medium. Both radial and tangential thermal focal lengths of this side-pumped Nd:YAG rod are determined under lasing condition. The results show that the bifocusing strength of 1123 nm laser is larger than that of 1164 nm laser, and 1123-nm thermal focal lengths are shorter than those of 1064-nm laser due to higher quantum defect. Laser output performances of 1123 nm in terms of stability, output power and beam quality influenced by pump power at different cavity lengths are also discussed with a convex-piano cavity.     

Characterization of laser processing of single‐crystal natural diamonds using micro‐Raman spectroscopic investigations

The application of lasers for processing diamond has revolutionized the diamond industry and its applications in microelectronics, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and microoptoelectromechanical system (MOEMS) technologies. The process quality can be evaluated using spectroscopic techniques. In the present investigation, four different types of Q‐switched solid‐state lasers (with different beam parameters), namely, a lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, a lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at second harmonically generated 532 nm, a diode‐pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser operating at 1064 nm and a diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, have been employed for the processing of a single‐crystal, gem‐quality, natural diamond. The main objective behind the selection of these lasers with different beam parameters was to study the effect of wavelength, pulse width, pulse energy, peak power and beam quality factor (M² factor) on various aspects of processing (such as microcracking, material loss and cut surface quality) and their relative merits and demerits. The overall weight loss of the diamond and formation of microcracks during processing have been studied for the above four cases. The characteristics of the graphite formed during processing, elemental analysis, surface morphology of the cut surface and process dynamics have been studied using micro‐Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We observed that laser cutting of single‐crystal diamonds used for industrial applications can be accomplished without microcracking or surface distortion using Q‐switched Nd:YAG lasers. This allows direct processing without extensive postgrinding and polishing stages. Very efficient diamond processing is possible using diode‐pumped lasers, which results in the lowest possible breakage rate, good accuracy, good surface finish and low weight loss. From the micro‐Raman and SEM studies, it is concluded that the surface quality obtained is superior when diode‐pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser is used, owing to its extremely high peak power. The maximum graphite content is observed while processing with lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm. An overall comparison of all the laser sources leads to the conclusion that diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser is a superior option for the efficient processing of natural diamond crystals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient and high-power green beam generation by frequency doubling of acousto-optic Q-switched diode-side pumped Nd:YAG rod laser in a coupled cavity

A 52-W green laser at 532 nm by extra-cavity second-harmonic generation in a coupled-cavity configuration is demonstrated. The fundamental laser is a diode-side-pumped acousto-optic (AO) Q-switched Nd:YAG rod laser producing 84 W of average power at 1064 nm at 8 kHz repetition rate. Type-II phase-matched polished KTP crystal is used as the nonlinear crystal for second-harmonic generation. The individual green pulse width is 50 ns and the fundamental to second harmonic conversion efficiency is 61.8%.     

基于Nd∶YAG/Cr∶YAG复合晶体的全固态紫外激光器

被动调Q产生1064 nm脉冲激光在腔外聚焦后入射到KTP中,产生532 nm的倍频光,再通过LBO和频产生355 nm激光。当抽运功率为3.4 W时,基频光调Q输出平均功率为350 mW,峰值功率达3.5 kW。腔外二倍频532 nm绿光输出平均功率为110 mW,用Ⅰ类相位匹配LBO晶体和频获得36 mW的355 nm的紫外激光输出,三倍频效率(1064~355 nm)达到10.2%。由于Cr∶YAG晶体达到饱和吸收后,会呈现出各向异性的特征,对基频光的偏振状态有很大影响。实验中必须合理放置复合晶体,使基频光的偏振状态为近似线偏振以提高转换效率。     

Processing of Diamond for Integrated Optic Devices Using Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser at Different Wavelengths

In the present investigation, a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is used to study the various aspects of diamond processing for fabricating integrated optic and UV optoelectronic devices. Diamond is a better choice of substrate compared to silicon and gallium arsenide for the fabrication of waveguides to perform operations such as modulation, switching, multiplexing, and filtering, particularly in the ultraviolet spectrum. The experimental setup of the present investigation consists of two Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers capable of operating at wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm. The diamond cutting is performed using these two wavelengths by making the “V”-shaped groove with various opening angle. The variation of material loss of diamond during cutting is noted for the two wavelengths. The cut surface morphology and elemental and structural analysis of graphite formed during processing in both cases are compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser Raman spectroscopy. Both the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser systems (at 1064 nm and 532 nm) show very good performance in terms of peak-to-peak output stability, minimal spot diameter, smaller divergence angle, higher peak power in Q-switched mode, and good fundamental TEM₀₀ mode quality for processing natural diamond stones. Less material loss and minimal micro cracks are achieved with wavelength 532 nm whereas a better diamond cut surface is achieved with processing at 1064 nm with minimum roughness.     

LD泵浦355nm准连续紫外激光器

报道了一台LD侧面泵浦Nd:YAG晶体的内腔三次谐波转换的全固态准连续紫外激光器。在谐振腔内,1064nm的基频波通过对Ⅱ类相位匹配KTP晶体进行二倍频来产生532nm波长激光,二者再通过对Ⅱ类相位匹配LBO晶体进行和频来获得355nm紫外激光输出。355nm全固态紫外激光器在声光调Q重复频率为2.8kHz下,当输入电流为18A时可得到503mW的激光输出。     

Characterization of Nd Doped Films Prepared by Femtosecond Pulsed Laser DepositionSCIEI北大核心CSCD

Thin films of Nd : YAG and Nd : Glass were prepared on Si (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition technology. The morphology of film surface and cross section, composition, absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of films were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR), optical parametric oscillator(OPO) and grating spectrometer. The results show that both Nd : YAG films and Nd : Glass films grown on the substrates at room temperature are amorphous. Nd : YAG films grown by PLD contain Nd element with 0. 15 at. % stoichiometric proportion. The absorption spectrum of bulk Nd : YAG target rather than deposited films exhibit two absorption peaks at 750 and 808 nm. There are no evident peaks in the photoluminescence spectra curve of Nd : YAG films. However, the photoluminescence spectra of Nd : Glass films with two sharp peaks at the wavelength of 877 and 1 064 nm are observed. It indicates that Nd is doped into glass host as optically active Nd3+ ions when Nd : Glass films grow at room temperature. But for Nd : YAG films, Nd don't incorporate into YAG host as Nd3+ ions.     

A 4.8-W M^2 = 4.6 Continuous-Wave Intracavity Sum-Frequency Diode-Pumped Solid-State Yellow Laser

A yellow continuous wave with beam quality M^2= 4.6 and output power of 4.8 W at 589nm is generated by intracavity sum-frequency mixing of 1064 nm and 1319 nm radiations of a Nd：YAG laser. To achieve high beam quality at high power, thermally near-unstable flat-flat resonators with two-rod birefringence compensation are designed to obtain the large fundamental mode size inside the Nd：YAG rods and the same beam width inside the KTP crystal. The optimal intracavity power ratio of both 1064nm and 1319nm beams is also considered. The output power fluctuation of the yellow laser remains less than 5% in four hours.