2 W 1064 nm handheld laser - how is it possible?

[ixfd64]

According to Laserglow's website, the Scorpius Pro has a maximum output of two watts. It is my understanding that the most efficient way to generate 1064 nm light is to pump an Nd:YVO4 crystal with 808 nm light.

However, the pump diodes in portable lasers are usually limited to 2.5 watts, and from what I've heard, the 808:1064 conversion efficiency for Nd:YVO4 is about 60% in optimal conditions. To get 2 W of 1064 nm out of a 2.5 W pump diode, a crystal with 80% efficiency is needed.

Since Laserglow is known to be an honest company, the 2 W figure is unlikely to be made up. So how does Laserglow get so much power? Does the Scorpius Pro have >2.5 W pump diodes? Or does it use something other than Nd:YVO4?

 

[goninanbl00d]

The 2W figure is quoted as a peak, with 1.6W average listed instead.

It won't hold 2W steady. It'll probably hit it, and then back off and drop slowly.

It's a bit like the PGL-III-C "400mW" units that have come in lately. All have hit well over 600mW, and most haven't dropped past 500mW.

That's pushing up against the 25% theoretical maximum with a 2.5W pump. DPSS lasers are finicky things, and sometimes efficiency changes quite drastically.

Then again, they could have used a 3W pump. It *does* use D cells, and they can push out more current than a 18650. The 2.5W 'limit' only applies because if you pushed it any further your battery will a splode.