Visible light generation by self-frequency doubling in Nd:YCOB

Summary form only given. We report on an alternate approach to generate high-power, visible laser light by incorporating the harmonic conversion element into the gain medium. We describe the first results of self-frequency doubling in one of a new class of laser hosts, the oxoborates. This new laser material, 2% Nd:YCa/sub 4/O(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ (Nd:YCOB) was grown by the Czochralski method. Single crystals can be grown exceeding 40 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length from a congruent melt. The crystals are nonhygroscopic with good optical and mechanical properties, permitting easy fabrication of laser samples. Preliminary absorption spectroscopy indicates several strong absorption peaks near 808 nm, making this material amenable to laser diode pumping. Initial experiments were performed to investigate the potential of this material as a laser medium.