Diode-pumped actively Q-switched Nd:GGG laser operating at 938 nm

The stimulated emission cross-section of Nd:GGG crystal in 938 nm transition was measured by the amplifier approach. It is 2.3×10−20 cm2. A quasi-continuous-wave diode pumped, actively Q-switched Nd:GGG laser operating at 938 nm was demonstrated. Pumped by laser diodes with 900 W peak power and 300 μs pulse duration, it generated 168 mJ energy in long pulse mode. The slope efficiency was 36%. Q-switched by a KD⁎P Pockels cell, 41 mJ output pulse energy was obtained. The pulse duration and peak power were 120 ns and 340 kW, respectively. The optical to optical efficiency was 7%.

► Quasi-continuous-wave diode end-pumped, actively Q-switched Nd:GGG laser operated at 938 nm.
► Stimulated emission cross section of Nd:GGG at 938 nm measured by amplifier approach.
► Output pulse energy of 168 mJ obtained by free running.
► Delivered 120 ns pulses with 41 mJ output energy.