200 kHz 5.5 W Yb(3+): YVO4-based chirped-pulse regenerative amplifier.

A chirped-pulse regenerative amplifier based on a Yb:YVO4 (Yb:YVO) crystal was demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge. A novel wavelength-independent off-axis technique was used to deliver 26.6 W of pump power with a low quantum defect.

Dispersion and anisotropy of thermo-optic coefficients in tetragonal GdVO4 and YVO4 laser host crystals.

A detailed experimental study of dispersion and anisotropy of thermo-optic coefficients dn/dT and thermal coefficients of the optical path W=dn/dT+(n-1)α is performed for tetragonal YVO(4) and GdVO(4) laser host crystals by a laser beam deviation method. It is supported by theoretical description of thermo-optic effects, taking into account the volumetric thermal expansion effect and the temperature dependence of electronic bandgap E(g). Linear thermal expansion coefficients α were also determined by a dilatometric technique.

In-band fiber-laser-pumped Er:YVO₄ laser emitting around 1.6 μm.

Efficient laser operation at wavelengths around 1.6 μm is demonstrated in Er (1.1 at.