Efficient continuous-wave laser operation at 1064 nm in Nd:YVO4 cladding waveguides produced by femtosecond laser inscription

Abstract

Cladding waveguides have been produced in Nd:YVO4 crystals by using femtosecond laser inscription. Such structures are fabricated with circular cross sections and diameters of ~100-120 μm, supporting multimode guidance in the two orthogonal polarizations. At room temperature continuous wave laser oscillations at wavelength of ~1064 nm have been realized through the optical pump at 808 nm with slope efficiency as high as 65% and a maximum output power of 335 mW.