Investigation of continuous-wave and Q-switched microchip laser characteristics of Yb:YAG ceramics and crystals

Continuous-wave and passively Q-switched microchip laser performance of Yb:YAG ceramics and single-crystals was investigated. Highly efficient continuous-wave Yb:YAG laser performance was observed at 1030 nm and 1049 nm for both Yb:YAG ceramics and crystals with different transmissions of output couplers. The laser performance of Yb:YAG ceramic is comparable to that of Yb:YAG single crystal. Meanwhile, the laser performance of laser-diode pumped Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-ceramics- and all-crystals-combination passively Q-switched microchip lasers were investigated. Sub-nanosecond laser pulses with peak power over 150 kW were obtained with different Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG combinations. Linearly polarized laser was observed in Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-crystals combination and circular polarized laser was obtained in Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-ceramics combination. The best laser performance was obtained with Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-crystals combination.

► Efficient laser performance of Yb:YAG crystal and ceramic have been achieved.
► Comparable laser characteristics were observed in Yb:YAG ceramics and crystals.
► Efficient, sub-nanosecond Q-switched laser pulses were obtained with Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG crystals and ceramics combinations.
► Linearly polarized laser output was obtained in Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-crystals combination.
► Circularly polarized laser output was observed in Yb:YAG/Cr4+:YAG all-ceramics combination.