Low Threshold and High Efficiency Nd:S-VAP Laser

The absorption spectrum of a new sort of crystal Nd:S-VAP was measured, which showed that Nd:S-VAP can be appropriately pumped at 583.0 and 809.0nm. By using tunable dye-laser (570.0-600.0nm) as pumping light, the performance of low threshold and high efficiency Nd:S-VAP laser has been realized. The characteristics of the output laser, such as 1.5nm linewidth, 5 ns pulse width, almost total polarity, up to 50% conversion efficiency, down to 2mJ threshold energy and so on, were presented. Meanwhile, the prospect of Nd:S-VAP crystal for low threshold, high efficiency miniature laser was discussed.