Diode pumped laser action and self-frequency doubling in Nd3+ :YCOB

Development of the oxyborate materials has brought about the realization of single crystal elements under diode pumped operation for compact, simple, solid state lasers producing visible laser emission. YCa₄B₃O₁₀ (YCOB) doped with Nd³⁺ has the distinct advantage of combining both an active laser medium with a modest nonlinear coefficient without associated photorefractive damage and self-absorption as with other self-frequency doubling (SFD) lasers. By beam shaping high brightness diodes and proper mode matching of the cavity mode with the laser mode, SFD output powers as high as those achieved by Ti:sapphire pumping can be obtained in a simple compact air cooled laser system ready for the market. We report efficient laser action and SFD generation in Nd³⁺:YCOB under diode pumping