Diode array pumped kilowatt laser

The diode array pumped kilowatt laser (DAPKL) has demonstrated more than an order of magnitude increase in brightness and average power for short pulse diode-pumped solid-state lasers since its inception in 1991. Significant advances in component technology have been demonstrated, including: development of a diffusion bonding process for producing large slabs of Nd:YAG laser material. Phase conjugation by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) has been demonstrated with high reflectivity and fidelity in a simple focused geometry with input powers of 100 W. Pulse energies at 1.06 /spl mu/m of 10 J have been demonstrated with a beam quality of 1.5 times diffraction limited at the 500-W level. An average power of 875 W at 100 Hz has been obtained. Efficient frequency doubling with a record power of 165 W has been demonstrated with 5 J per pulse at 0.53 /spl mu/m. Work is ongoing to enclose the system in a compact brassboard with improved performance and long term stability.