Evaluation of CaLaSOAP: Nd for high-power flash-pumped Q-switched lasers

Abstract
Pump‐induced thermal lensing and bifocusing have been measured for flash‐pumped CaLaSOAP:Nd, together with long‐pulse and Q‐switched laser efficiencies. The results show that CaLaSOAP:Nd maintains its high efficiency in the Q‐switched mode, that it is capable of average power operation exceeding 1 J at 30 pps, and that bifocusing is less severe in CaLaSOAP:Nd than in YAG:Nd.