Generation of 2 W cw output power at 457 nm based on a frequency doubled Nd:YVO/sub 4/ thin disc laser

An efficient, compact blue light source based on an intracavity frequency doubled Nd:YVO/sub 4/ thin disc laser is presented. The laser outputs up to 2 W at a wavelength of 457 nm. In a second resonator configuration 1.5 W was achieved with a near diffraction limited beam.