Laser gain in femtosecond microstructured Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 crystals

Femtosecond laser writing has been used to create 1D and 2D diffracting microstructures in Nd3+:MgO co-doped LiNbO3 crystals. The main characteristics of the diffracting device, such as its polarization dependence and diffraction efficiency have been investigated, showing that first order diffraction efficiencies in excess of 35% can be achieved. We have demonstrated that continuous wave laser oscillation from Nd3+ ions at 1.06 μm can be generated through the integrated diffraction gratings, thus leading to non-collinear intracavity laser propagation. The laser performance, in terms of laser thresholds and slope efficiencies, is reported and explained. The achievement of a controlled non-collinear propagation is an interesting feature in multi-frequency lasers, optical communication and optical switching.