Design criteria for mode size optimization in diode-pumped solid-state lasers

Author

Laporta, Paolo ; Brussard, Marcello

Author_Institution

Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettronica, Roma Univ., Italy

Volume

27

Issue

10

fYear

1991

fDate

10/1/1991 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2319

Lastpage

2326

Abstract

Based on space-dependent rate equation analysis, design and optimization criteria for the mode size of diode-pumped solid-state lasers are proposed, assuming an TEM₀₀ single transverse mode in the resonator and circular or elliptic Gaussian pump beam. The optimum ratio between mode and pump spot size increases with input power and ellipticity of the pump beam. Simple plots may be used as guidelines to determine, in addition to the optimum spot size, the corresponding laser threshold, slope efficiency, and expected output power. Experimental examples are given for an end-pumped Nd:YAG laser, showing good agreement with the design predictions

Keywords

laser modes; laser theory; optical design techniques; optical pumping; optimisation; solid lasers; Gaussian pump beam; TEM₀₀ single transverse mode; YAG:Nd; YAl5O12:Nd; circular beams; diode-pumped; elliptic beams; end-pumped Nd:YAG laser; input power; laser threshold; mode size optimization; pump beam; pump spot size; resonator; slope efficiency; solid-state lasers; space-dependent rate equation analysis; Design optimization; Diodes; Equations; Guidelines; Laser beams; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Optical design; Pump lasers; Solid lasers;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9197

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/3.97276

Filename

97276