Highly efficient Nd:(LaxGd1-x)(3)Gd5O12 laser operation at 1.33 mu m

The continuous wave (CW) and passively Q-switched (PQS) performances of diode-pumped Nd:(LaxGd1-x)(3)Gd5O12 (Nd:LaGGG) at 1.33 mu m are achieved for the first time to our knowledge. The maximum CW output power of 5.1 W is obtained with the optical-optical conversion efficiency of 25.3% and the slope efficiency of 26.6%. In the PQS operation, by using the V3+:YAG crystal as the saturable absorber, the maximum average output power, shortest pulse width, largest pulse energy, and highest peak power are measured to be 1.1 W, 27.54 ns, 75.78 mu J, and 2.44 kW, respectively.