Investigation of efficient self-frequency-doubling Nd:YAB lasers

We report on the investigation of efficient self-frequency doubling Nd:YAl/sub 3/(BO/sub 3/)/sub 4/ (Nd:YAB) lasers. Pumped by 1.6 W of 807 nm diode laser radiation, the Nd:YAB laser generates a green 531-nm output of 225 mW which corresponds to a conversion of pump to visible output power of 14%. Conversion efficiencies as high as 20% could be achieved by using the diffraction-limited beam of a Ti:sapphire laser as pump source. In this case, 2.2 W of 807-nm Ti:sapphire radiation produced a 531-nm output of 450 mW. The experimental performance of these Nd:YAB lasers is in good agreement with the predictions of a numerical analysis based on rate equations adequate for lasers with self-frequency doubling.