Stability of the temporal and energy characteristics of a picosecond lanthanum beryllate laser

An investigation was made of the stability of the energy and temporal parameters of the radiation from a passively mode-locked La₂Be₂O₅:Nd laser under conditions of two-threshold lasing. Minimum pulse durations of ~7 psec were achieved with an energy stability typical of similar YAG:Nd lasers. An investigation was made of the amplification of picosecond pulses in an La₂Be₂O₅:Nd amplifier. An La₂Be₂O₅:Nd laser was used to drive a synchronously pumped parametric oscillator.