Intracavity-pumped Yb:YAG lasers using the 915-nm absorption line

A nonstandard type of Yb:YAG laser intracavity pumped by an all-solid-state Nd: LuVO₄ laser at the wavelength of 916 nm around the 915-nm absorption peak of Yb^{3 +} is presented. A model is derived to improve the 1030-nm output power of the Yb:YAG laser by optimizing the absorption ratio of Yb:YAG at the 916-nm pump wavelength. Both the continuous wave (CW) and pulsed performances of the presented laser are experimentally investigated. At the maximal diode pump level of 18 W, a 5.63-W output power (CW) and a 3.71-W average output power (pulsed) at 1030 nm are achieved, corresponding to optical conversion efficiencies of 31.3% and 20.6%, respectively.