Compact Diode-Side-Pumped Stimulated Raman Laser Based on a KGW:Nd Crystal.

We have studied an all solid-state diode-side-pumped laser which lases in the nominally eye-safe spectral range of ~1.5-1.6 μm. The optical configuration of the laser is based on using a potassium gadolinium tungstate crystal doped with neodymium ions, in which lasing occurs at a wavelength of λ = 1.351 μm and stimulated Raman selfconversion occurs to the first Stokes component (λ = 1.538 μm). The maximum output pulse energy was 17 mJ and 7 mJ for repetition frequencies of respectively 1 Hz and 10 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]