Characterization and laser performance of a new material: 2 at. % Nd:YAG grown by the Czochralski method.

We report on the optical quality and laser performance of Czochralski-grown 2-at. %-doped Nd:YAG. Using a diode pumped laser in an end pumped configuration, we compare the laser performance of this material with the performance of 1-at. %-doped Nd:YAG and 0.7-at. %-doped Nd:YVO4 crystals. Experimental results show the superior performance of 2-at. % Nd:YAG over Nd:YVO4. With a pump power of 25.7 W, a maximum output power of 12.3 W with a slope efficiency of 57% and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 48% were achieved.