Efficient frequency doubling at 399 nm

We describe a reliable, high-power, and narrow-linewidth laser source at 399 nm, which is useful for cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms. A continuous-wave titanium-sapphire laser at 798 nm is frequency doubled using a lithium triborate crystal in an enhancement cavity. Up to 1.0W of light at 399 nm has been obtained from 1.3 W of infrared light, with an efficiency of 80%. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America