Transversely diode pumped, Er,Yb:glass 1.54-/spl mu/m laser with high pulse energy and efficiency in free-running and Q-switched mode

Summary form only given. We describe the free-running and Q-switched performance of a compact diode-pumped pulsed 1.54-/spl mu/m bulk Er,Yb:glass laser, delivering several hundred millijoules pulse energy in free-lasing mode, up to 46 mJ in Q-switch mode and with a record-high optical efficiency.