Gain-guided optical amplification in a stoichiometric KNdP₄O₁₂crystal transversely pumped by a high power diode laser

We report on fluorescence lifetimes and CW room temperature amplification of 1.322 mu m and 1.052 mu m radiation, with gains of approximately 1.3 dB and 6.1 dB respectively, in a 1.5 mm long near stoichiometric KNdP 4 O 12 crystal transversely pumped by a high power semiconductor laser operating at 0.8 mu m. These results suggest the possibility of realizing photon-controlled gain-guided switches and interconnections.