End-pumped 1.5 microm monoblock laser for broad temperature operation

We describe a next-generation monoblock laser capable of a greater than 10 mJ, 1.5 microm output at 10 pulses/s (pps) over broad ambient temperature extremes with no active temperature control. The transmitter design is based on a Nd:YAG laser with a Cr4+ passive Q switch and intracavity potassium titanyl phosphate optical parametric oscillator. To achieve the repetition rate and efficiency goals of this effort, but still have wide temperature capability, the Nd:YAG slab is end pumped with a 12-bar stack of 100 W (each) diode bars. Different techniques for focusing the pump radiation into the 4.25 mmx4.25 mm end of the slab are compared, including a lensed design, a reflective concentrator, and a lens duct. A wide temperature operation (-20 degrees C to 50 degrees C) for each end-pumped configuration is demonstrated.