An experimental comparison of linear and parabolic tapered waveguide lasers and a demonstration of broad-stripe diode pumping

This paper compares the laser performance of linear and parabolic tapered waveguides in ion-exchanged Nd:Glass, finding significant advantage for the linear guides, with demonstrated adiabatic expansion to widths of 250 /spl mu/m. The characterization of these waveguide lasers by Ti:sapphire pumping is followed by a demonstration of high-power diode-pumped laser operation and a discussion of the optimization of such a scheme for producing high-power integrated-optics laser sources.