Laser utilizing gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet activated with chromium and neodymium

A pulse-periodic laser has been developed utilizing a new active medium, a gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet crystal activated with chromium and neodymium. An absolute free-running efficiency of 3.4% with a differential efficiency of 4.4% was obtained in the single-pulse regime. Thermooptic effects in the new active medium were approximately 1.5 times weaker than those in scandium gallium garnet crystals. The damage threshold for cylindrical active elements with a mat surface was approximately 500 W per centimeter of the active element.