title: Diode-pumped high-efficiency high-brightness Q-switched ND:YAG slab laser.
abstract: A high-efficiency diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG oscillator designed for future spaceborne applications has been demonstrated and characterized. The laser is based on a side-pumped slab geometry and uses an unstable resonator with a radially variable-reflectivity output coupler. The laser provides an output pulse energy of 100 mJ at a 100-Hz repetition rate, with a near-diffraction-limited beam and an overall electrical optical efficiency exceeding 6%.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Armandillo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Norrie
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cosentino
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Laporta
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wazen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maine