High-efficiency 1.06-µm output in a monolithic Nd:YVO(4) laser.

A miniature 1.5-mm-long monolithic Nd:YVO(4) laser was end pumped with a Ti-sapphire laser. The Nd-doping density was 3 at. %. The maximum output power obtained with 885 mW of absorbed pump power was 495 mW at 1.064 µm. The maximum slope efficiency was 57%, and the output power was only slightly dependent on pump polarization. Laser diode pumping was also demonstrated. Thermal effects were observed to reduce the output power and required active cooling of the laser crystal.