Improved laser performance at 946 and 473 nm from a composite Nd:Y3Al5O12 rod

Efficient pulsed room-temperature laser operation at 946 nm has been achieved by end-pumping Nd:YAG with multiple diode array bars. High average power operation was made possible by the use of a water-cooled composite doped/undoped Nd:YAG laser rod. A 5.7 W output at 946 nm was obtained at 500 Hz in long-pulsed operation. Over 15% efficiency based on incident pump power was measured at 300 Hz. With intracavity frequency doubling using KNbO3, 366 mW was obtained at 473 nm and 200 Hz.