16W-pulsed green laser based on efficient frequency conversion of an Yb-doped fibre laser externally modulated by a semiconductor optical amplifier
Résumé
We report on the development of a nanosecond green laser based on efficient frequency conversion of an Yb-doped fibre laser externally modulated by a semiconductor optical amplifier. The laser system uses commercially available fibers and operates with pulse durations in the range 3-40 ns and repetition rates in the range 50-800 kHz. A maximum conversion efficiency of 66 % and a maximum average output power of 16 W have been reached for a repetition rate of 250 kHz and a pulse duration of 8 ns while preserving a high beam quality.