Epitaxial Nd3+:YAG/YAG waveguide laser

Abstract

Solid state lasers with a planar Nd,Lu,Ga:YAG/YAG waveguide structure have been created using liquid phase epitaxy. The method used to produce such epitaxial structures ensures obtaining Nd3+ ions concentration in the range from 1 at.% to 3 at.% in waveguiding thin films. Spectroscopic characterization of active films was performed. The Nd,Lu,Ga:YAG waveguide for each neodymium ions concentration exhibited lasing operation at room temperature at a wavelength of 1064 nm with impulse laser diodes pumping at 808 nm and 885 nm. The maximum average output power Pav = 2.6 mW and 72.2% slope efficiency was obtained for 1 at.% Nd3+ waveguide pumped at 885 nm.