Laser diode array (LDA) end-pumped multi-watt Yb:YAG 1030 nm laser

A LDA (laser diode array) end-pumped Yb:YAG 1030 nm laser is reported. Using a plano-concave resonator, with input pump power of 11.79 W, 2.55 W TEM00 continuous wave laser at 1030 nm was obtained. The effective focal length of the thermal lens is also calculated.