Single-frequency operation of a diode-pumped lanthanum-neodymium-hexaaluminate laser by using a twisted-mode cavity.

Single-frequency operation of a diode-pumped lanthanum-neodymium-hexaaluminate laser using a twisted mode geometry is reported. Single-mode output without additional intracavity frequency-selective elements was observed. The laser was tunable from 1.054 to 1.059 microm and from 1.077 to 1.088 microm. A single-frequency output of 150 mW at 1.083 microm has been obtained. The laser is particularly interesting in relation to experiments that use metastable helium.