High-power solid-state 4-μm laser based on Nd:YAG technology and difference-frequency generation

Abstract
We present an analysis of difference-frequency generation techniques used to produce laser output in the 4-μm atmospheric window. A numerical model is developed for investigation of the mixing of 1.44- and 1.06-μm Nd:YAG lasers to produce 4.04-μm radiation in a LiNbO3 crystal. The results indicate that output energies of 40–50 mJ at 4.04 μm can be obtained from a realistic laser system.
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