Highly efficient, low-threshold monolithic distributed-Bragg-reflector channel waveguide laser in Al_2O_3:Yb^3+

We report the fabrication and performance of a highly efficient, monolithic distributed-Bragg-reflector channel waveguide laser in ytterbium-doped aluminum oxide. The 1 cm long device was fabricated on a standard thermally oxidized silicon substrate and was optically pumped with a 976 nm laser diode. Single-longitudinal-mode and single-polarization operation was achieved at a wavelength of 1021.2 nm. Continuous-wave output powers of up to 47 mW and a launched pump power threshold of 10 mW resulted in a slope efficiency of 67%.