Biaxial-crystal laser with waveguide resonator

A laser is developed employing a biaxial crystal waveguide resonator. A prototype employing a potassium/gadolinium tungstate crystal activated with neodyium ions is investigated experimentally. The waveguide resonator laser produces approximately the same power as one employing a Fabry-Perot resonator, although the threshold pumping energy of the waveguide laser is somewhat higher. Anisotropy of the crystal properties is found to have a strong influence on the lasing characteristics of the waveguide laser. The use of biaxial crystal waveguide lasers is recommended in devices with stringent requirements for divergence of the radiation in one plane.