High-power and high-efficiency diode-pumped Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal lasers operating at 939 and 946  nm

We report on high-performance infrared lasers at 0.94 μm based on quasi-three-level transition of F3/24→I9/24F3/24→I9/24 in Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal, for the first time to our knowledge. The maximum output power was achieved to 5.64 W with slope efficiency of approximately 52.5% at 946 nm. The simultaneous dual-wavelength laser at 939 and 946 nm is also obtained with maximum output power of 3.61 W and slope efficiency of 34.8% by introducing a glass etalon into the cavity. Moreover, a 2.0-W single-wavelength laser at 939 nm can be further attained by suitably tilting the etalon. Using a Cr:YAG saturable absorber,