Nd:GSAG-pulsed laser operation at 943 nm and crystal growth

Laser activity of neodymium-doped gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet (Nd:GSAG) on the $^{4}F_{3/2}\rightarrow^{4}I_{9/2}$ transition with an output wavelength around 943 nm was investigated. The emission cross-section was measured with spectroscopic and amplifier approaches demonstrating the applicability of the Nd:GSAG laser for water vapor detection. A Q-switched laser setup delivered 150 ns pulses with 26 mJ output energy and 9% optical to optical efficiency. The laser was diode pumped with up to 50 Hz repetition rate. In the long pulse mode a pulse energy of 83 mJ with 32% optical efficiency was achieved. The output wavelength was controlled by injection seeding.