Investigation and development of a pumping system for a YAG:Nd laser using radiation from a high-frequency electrodeless discharge

An experimental investigation was made of a system for continuous pumping of a YAG:Nd laser using radiation from a high-frequency electrodeless discharge. Estimates were made of the efficiency and life of various designs of pumping system. It was found that pumping systems using high-frequency electrodeless flashlamps with powers of up to 2.5 kW can be successfully used in lasers with an output power of 20–40 W and a life of $\gtrsim$1500 h.