Comparison of diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG and Nd:YAP laser

Nd:YAG and Nd:YAP slab crystal in the form of triangle with the Brewster-angle-cut polished input faces was used as an active medium for diode-side-pumped laser. A horizontal projection of the active medium form is a triangle with 19.22 mm long base, 5 mrn height, and thickness of 4 mm. This active crystal shape is one from the simplest form which makes possible to realise a slab side-pumped configuration with a total internal reflection. Optical pumping was accomplished by a quasi-cw diode ARR18P400 with peak power 400 W closely attached to the active crystal without any coupling optics. Both material were operated for most known Nd3+ ion transition (4)F(3/)2 -> I-4(11/2) (1 mu m) as well as for transition F-4(3/2) -> I-4(13/2) which leads to the emission at 1.3 mu m. The systems were tested in free running and Q switch regime. This system is enough compact to be useful tools for direct medical application.