Stimulated Raman scattering in Nd:KGW laser with diode pumping

Operation of an all solid-state compact pulsed Nd:KGW Raman laser pumped by a cw laser diode is demonstrated. The Stokes and anti-Stokes radiations of stimulated Raman scattering at the 1.181 mu m and 0.973 mu m wavelengths, respectively, are generated as a result of self-frequency conversion of the 1.067 mu m laser radiation in a Nd:KGW crystal. With Q-switched operation the Raman laser threshold corresponds to 230 mW of a laser diode light power. The output power of 8.9 mW is achieved at the Stokes wavelength with a kilohertz repetition rate. Blue luminescence trace in Nd:KGW crystal under simultaneous 1.067 mu m laser action and Raman generation is observed. A possible mechanism of this up-conversion process is proposed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.