Pulsed^4F_3/2 to ^4I_9/2 operation of Nd lasers

Nd lasers operating on the 4F3/2 to 4I9/2 transition, usually at ∼0.94 µm, can provide a useful source for many applications when they operate efficiently. Both efficiency and energy output are substantially increased by two new approaches: improvement of the basic design and the use of new laser materials, specifically, Nd:GYAG. Laser performance and gain results for both Nd:YAG and Nd:GYAG lasers that operate on the 4F3/2 to 4I9/2 transition are reported as a function of temperature. For the sake of comparison, results for these lasers when they operate on the 4F3/2 to 4I11/2 transition at 1.064 µm are reported as well. In addition, preliminary second-harmonic generation results for this 0.94-µm laser are reported.