Continuous-wave laser operation of Nd:LuAG ceramic with 4 F 3∕2 → 4 I 11∕2 transition

The diode-end-pumped continuous-wave Nd: LuAG ceramic lasers at 1064 nm and 1123 nm with F-4(3/2)-> I-4(11/2) transition are here presented for the first time. For the 1064 nm laser operation, the output has been optimized using output couplers with different transmissions. A maximum output power of 8.3 W was achieved under an incident pump power of 20.4 W with a conversion efficiency of 40.7%. Replacing the output coupler based on reasonable coating design for 1123 nm oscillation, a continuous-wave laser with single-wavelength at 1123 nm was obtained with the same ceramic. At an incident pumped power of 20.4 W, an output power of 3.5 W was achieved with a conversion efficiency of 17.2%. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America