Comparison of thermal lensing effects between single-end and double-end diffusion-bonded Nd:YVO(4) crystals for (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(11/2) and (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(13/2) transitions

Abstract

The effective focal lengths of thermal lens in diode-end-pumped continuous-wave Nd:YVO(4) lasers for the (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(11/2) and (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(13/2) transitions were determined. The experimental results revealed that the thermal lensing effect for the (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(11/2) transition can be sufficiently improved by employing a single-end diffusion-bonded Nd: YVO4 crystal replacing a conventional Nd: YVO4 crystal. However, using a double-end diffusion-bonded Nd: YVO4 crystal was a great improvement over a single-end diffusion-bonded Nd: YVO4 crystal for the (4)F(3/2)->(4)I(13/2) transition with stronger thermal lensing effect. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America