Lasing properties of selectively pumped Raman-active Nd3+-doped molybdate and tungstate crystals

The lasing efficiency of Nd³⁺ ions is studied in laser materials capable of self-Raman frequency conversion. The lasing properties of tungstate and molybdate crystals with the scheelite structure (SrWO₄, BaWO₄, PbWO₄, SrMoO₄, PbMoO₄) activated with neodymium ions are investigated upon longitudinal pumping by a 750-nm alexandrite laser or a 800-nm diode laser. The slope lasing efficiency obtained for a Nd³⁺:PbMoO₄ laser emitting at 1054 nm is 54.3% for the total lasing efficiency of 46%, which is the best result for all the crystals with the scheelite structure studied so far. The simultaneous Q-switched lasing and self-Raman frequency conversion were demonstrated in neodymium-doped SrWO₄, PbWO₄, and BaWO₄ crystals.