1.2 kW, 20 kHz Nanosecond Nd:YAG Slab Laser System

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a kW-level high-repetition-rate nanosecond master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser system, employing a structure of fiber, Nd:YVO4, and Nd:YAG hybrid amplification. A tunable fiber seed source is used for adjustable pulse repetition frequency and pulse width. The Nd:YVO4 pre-amplifier, which is dual-end-pumped, achieves high gain while maintaining good beam quality, and the high-power side-pumped Nd:YAG slab main-amplifier enables efficient power amplification. The repetition rate of the output laser can be adjusted within the range of 1~20 kHz, and the pulse width can be tuned within the range of 10~300 ns. The seed output is 6 mW at a repetition frequency of 20 kHz; we achieve an average output power of 1240 W with a total power extraction efficiency of 39.1% and single-pulse energy of 62 mJ at a pulse width of 301 ns. This parameter-controllable high-power laser holds promise for applications in the laser cleaning of complex surface contaminants.