Lasing characteristics of laser-pumped Mg2SiO4:Cr crystals

An experimental investigation was made of the lasing characteristics of Mg₂SiO₄:Cr (forsterite) crystals in various lasing regimes. It was found that high-intensity pumping reduced the efficiency because it induced absorption in the active medium. A criterion was put forward to select the optimal pump intensity under various operating conditions. Lasing was achieved for the first time by pumping with rf pulse trains from a quasi-cw YAlO₃:Nd laser. Output energies higher than 2 J were achieved when a free-running neodymium-glass laser was used for pumping.