Virtual Journal of Laser

Laser characteristics of a novel mixed laser crystal Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 was investigated. It is attractive for Q-switching with high repetition rate and short pulse width due to its suitable stimulated emission cross-section and short upper level lifetime. Continuous wave (CW) output power of 8.18 W was obtained at the pump power of 18.9 W, corresponding to the optical conversion efficiency of 43.3% and the slope efficiency of 47%. In the passive Q-switching operation, the minimum pulse width attained was 7.8 ns, with the pulse repetition frequency of 23.2 kHz, with the single pulse energy and peak power estimated to be 94.8 [mu]J and 12.2 kW, respectively. (© 2010 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA)