Low-coherence reflectometry of thermal properties in diode-laser-pumped high-power solid-state laser

Low-coherence reflectometer employing multiple passages of 1.3-μm low-coherence probe light within the gain medium was used to study the thermal properties of diode-laser-pumped high-power Nd:YVO
₄
laser and its intracavity frequency doubled version. The longitudinal optical length resolution is 0.5 μm. An IR slope efficiency as high as 68% is achieved as a result.