Diode pumped neodymium-based thin disk lasers

The output performances of thin disk lasers with Nd-based gain media are investigated under multi-pass pumping with diode lasers at 808 nm into the F-4(5/2) level and directly into the upper F-4(3/2) emitting level. Continuous-wave operation with powers in excess of 10 W at 1.06 mu m, and in the watt-region at 0.94 mu m in Nd:YAG and at 0.91 mu m in Nd:YVO4 and Nd:GdVO4 is obtained. Intracavity frequency doubling of the 0.91-mu m emitting Nd:vanadates lasers generate 'deep-blue' light in excess of I W under pumping into the F-4(5/2) level; results on blue-emitting thin disk lasers that are pumped at similar to 0.88 mu m into the F-4(3/2) emitting level are presented for the first time. Simultaneous dual-wavelength emission on the F-4(3/2)-> I-4(9/2) quasi-three-level transition and the F-4(3/2)-> I-4(9/2) four-level transition is demonstrated from all these media.