Self-tuning in birefringent La3Ga5SiO14:Nd3+ laser crystal

An experimental demonstration of broadband wavelength self-tuning in La3Ga5SiO14:Nd3+ laser crystal is presented. The self-tuning along the full spectral range of the laser crystal was obtained by rotating a plate of La3Ga5SiO14:Nd3+ inserted inside the laser resonator around an axis perpendicular to the plate. The self-tuning is due to the combined effect of crystal anisotropy and the polarization selectivity produced by the plate surfaces. Based on these considerations a model has been developed that correctly describes the tuning properties experimentally observed.