title: Performance of a 2.3-kW Nd:YAG slab laser system.
abstract: A slab laser system consisting of three Nd:YAG slabs with dimensions 7 mm x 26 mm x 191 mm was operated with different resonators in an oscillator-amplifier-amplifier arrangement. In single-shot operation the system provided a maximum output energy of 148 J with a pulse duration of 4 ms and an overall efficiency of 4.3%. A stable resonator provided a maximum steady output power of 2260 W, and we measured beam parameter products of 8 mm mrad in the x direction and 100 mm mrad in the y direction. An output power of 1460 W and beam parameter products of less than 4 mm mrad in both directions were obtained with an unstable resonator with a graded-reflectivity mirror.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Lü