Irregular lasing pattern formation and dynamic effects in a thin-slice solid-state laser

We found an abrupt transverse-mode transition from an irregular to a Gaussian lasing pattern or billiard-like lasing patterns with increasing the pump power in a laser-diode-pumped thin-slice Nd:GdVO4 laser with coated dielectric mirrors on both ends. A variety of irregular stationary lasing patterns were observed with a slight change in the pump position due to polished crystal surface roughness and ineffective lasing field confinement in transverse directions. A physical interpretation for observed irregular patterns was given in terms of wave formations in gradient refractive index lens with undulated reflective end surfaces. Intensity modulation of the laser, resulting from the interference of non-orthogonal transverse mode pairs embedded in the irregular lasing patterns, and associated rich chaotic pulsations were demonstrated. Observed nonlinear dynamics were well reproduced by numerical simulation.