Abstract: A laser gain element including an undoped layer of a monoclinic double tungstate (MDT) crystal, and a method of forming a laser gain element are provided. The laser gain element includes a layer of doped MDT crystal adjacent to the undoped layer, the doped MDT layer including a pre-selected concentration of rare earth ions. The layer of doped MDT crystal has an absorption peak at a first wavelength and an emission peak at a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength; and the layer of doped MDT crystal has a fluorescence emission with a weighted average at a third wavelength shorter than the first wavelength. A laser resonator cavity formed with a plurality of composite gain elements as above is also provided.

Abstract: A laser gain element including an undoped layer of a monoclinic double tungstate (MDT) crystal, and a method of forming a laser gain element are provided. The laser gain element includes a layer of doped MDT crystal adjacent to the undoped layer, the doped MDT layer including a pre-selected concentration of rare earth ions. The layer of doped MDT crystal has an absorption peak at a first wavelength and an emission peak at a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength; and the layer of doped MDT crystal has a fluorescence emission with a weighted average at a third wavelength shorter than the first wavelength. A laser resonator cavity formed with a plurality of composite gain elements as above is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor head for monitoring radiated laser energy is disclosed which uties a transparent scatter plate placed in the path of the laser beam. A plurality of regularly spaced photodetector diodes are secured to its outer edge. The scatter plate and photodiode configuration are contained in a mounting bracket and frame assembly which permits its attachment to a front of a variety of laser systems without requiring modification of those systems. As radiation from the incident laser beam is transmitted through the plate, a small portion of the laser energy is coupled to the diodes via microscopic scattering sites in the plate. The signal output from the four diodes is combined by signal summing to provide a measure of the energy at peak power output of the laser without distorting or perturbing transmitted beam.