Diode pumped laser action and self-frequency doubling in Nd\u3csup\u3e3+\u3c/sup\u3e:YCOB

Development of the oxyborate materials has brought about the realization of single crystal elements under diode pumped operation for compact, simple, solid state lasers producing visible laser emission. YCOB doped with Nd3+ has the distinct advantage of combining both an active laser medium with a modest nonlinear coefficient without associated photorefractive damage and self-absorption as with other self-frequency doubling (SFD) lasers. By beam shaping high brightness diodes and proper mode matching of the cavity mode with the laser mode, SFD output powers as high as those achieved by Ti:sapphire pumping can be obtained. Laser action with slope efficiencies of 51% and have generated 62 mW of green light by SGD of the fundamental light is demonstrated