Powerful transversally diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser with low depolarization losses

The optical losses introduced into the cavity of transversally diode pumped Nd:YAG lasers operating in the linearly polarized Q-switched mode by the induced birefringence were evaluated. The relationship between the loss values and the state of the side surface of laser active elements was established. It has been shown that the active elements with adhesive light-scattering layers on their side surfaces make it possible to create the laser sources not only with a high degree of uniformity of the distribution of radiation within the output beam cross-section, but also with a low level of the optical depolarization losses.