Laser performance of high repetition frequency on a 970 nm LD side-pumped Er:YSGG crystal operated at 2.79 μm

Abstract We demonstrate laser performance of high repetition frequency on 970 nm laser diodes side-pumped Er:YSGG crystal rod with concave end faces. The laser performance under different repetition rates and pulse widths was studied with an optimal cavity length. The maximum average output power of 11.81 W operated at a repetition frequency of 500 Hz and 2.79 μm was achieved, corresponding to the slope efficiency of 10.49%. In addition, the beam quality factors M2x/M2y of 7.01/7.10 and far-field divergences Θx/Θy of 9.15/9.18 mrad were also obtained under the high repetition frequency of 500 Hz. These results show that the LD side-pumped Er:YSGG laser crystal rod with concave end faces has the potential of being operated under high repetition frequency.