LAUSR

The criterion for achieving power scaling of the cryogenically cooled monolithic 946 nm laser is investigated by varying crystal length. Theoretical analysis of the mode-to-pump size matching indicates that the optimal power can be obtained with a crystal length of 8 mm. Furthermore, the pump–wavelength dependence of the output power can be less sensitive when a longer crystal was employed. We demonstrate 946 nm monolithic lasers with various crystal lengths to verify the theoretical analysis. The highest output power (30.2 W) is obtained by using an 8 mm Nd:YAG crystal at 130 K. Moreover, the output power reduction ratio is found to be smaller than 15% with the pump wavelength fluctuating between ±1 nm.