Self-frequency doubling of the 936-nm line in Nd:GdCa/sub 4/O(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/

Summary form only given. Nd/sup 3+/:Ca/sub 4/GdO(BO/sub 3/)/sub 3/ (Nd:GdCOB) is an efficient laser material in the infrared under Ti:sapphire and diode pumping. Moreover self-frequency doubling of the laser line has been observed with crystals cut for phase-matched second-harmonic generation: we have obtained 115 mW at 545 nm. The GdCOB crystal has also very interesting physical properties because it melts congruently and is not hygroscopic. We have investigated the emission of a blue laser light from the Nd:GdCOB by self-frequency doubling of the 4F/sub 3/2//spl rarr/4I/sub 9/2/ transition of Nd/sup 3+/ ions at 936 nm. It corresponds to a quasi-three-level system.