One joule output from a diode-array-pumped Nd:YAG laser with side-pumped rod geometry

Output of 1.25 J per pulse (1.064 mu m) with an absolute optical efficiency of 28% and corresponding electrical efficiency of 10% was demonstrated in a diode-array-pumped Nd:YAG laser using a side-pumped rod geometry in a master-oscillator/power-amplifier configuration. In Q-switched operation, an output of 0.75 J in a 17-ns pulse was obtained. The fundamental laser output was frequency doubled in KTP with 60% conversion efficiency to obtain 0.45 J in a 16-ns pulse at 532 nm. The output beam had high spatial quality with pointing stability better than 40 mu rad and a shot-to-shot pulse energy fluctuation >