6.2 kW quasi-continuous-wave diode-pumped Yb:YAG ceramic slab laser

We demonstrate a high power quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) diode-pumped Yb:YAG ceramic slab laser. The wavefront distortion of the assembled large-sized Yb:YAG ceramic slab module is evaluated firstly. Through a short cavity setup, the average output power of a single ceramic slab laser oscillator is up to 6.2 kW. The corresponding optical-to-optical efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power is 64.8% and a slope efficiency of 72.1%, operating at a pulse duration of 560 ?s and a repetition rate of 160 Hz. To the best of our knowledge, this represents a highest output power for a QCW Yb:YAG ceramic single slab laser oscillator ever reported to date. This result proves the way to the further development of high power solid-state Yb:YAG ceramic slab laser.