Multiple gain element GaInNAs disk laser generating narrow band (2.6 MHz) radiation at 1178 nm

Sodium guide star lasers operating at 589 nm are commonly deployed in earth based telescopes. Next generation guide star lasers require sources with output power of more than 20 W, stable operation with narrow linewidth (<; 5MHz), and high beam quality. Frequency doubled semiconductor disk lasers (SDLs) are anticipated to fulfil the specifications owing to their high power, efficient intracavity frequency conversion, and possibility to directly modulate the output beam. In order to achieve fundamental emission at 1178 nm the authors have developed high quality GaInNAs/GaAs quantum well based gain mirrors. Here the authors report on the development of a multiple gain element disk laser for generating narrow band radiation at 1178 nm.