Abstract
We review the recent trends of visible light sources based on nonlinear frequency conversion from the Nd3+-doped micro-lasers. In order to evaluate the emission properties of 1.3, 1.0, and 0.9 in Nd3+-ion doped materials, the spectroscopic parameters were summarized. Recently appeared Nd: GdV4O has the large absorption and emission cross-sections with high thermal conductivity, as high as YAG. After the demonstration of near quantum limit highly efficient operation in Nd: GdVO4, the intra-cavity frequency doubled micro-laser was reviewed as a high power compact green laser. On the other hand, we have demonstrated the high power stable green and deep blue laser under extra-cavity frequency doubling with periodically-poled MgO: LiNbO3 (PPMgLN) for quasi-phase matched second harmonic generation (QPM-SHG). Finally, edge pumped Yb: YAG microchip laser was discussed for the high-power visible microchip lasers.
