Title :
Modeling of thermal lensing and higher order ring mode oscillation in end-pumped C-W Nd:YAG lasers
Author :
Frauchiger, J. ; Albers, Peter ; Weber, Heinz P.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Appl. Phys. Bern, Switzerland
fDate :
4/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The influence of thermal lensing and mode matching on the oscillating mode in the end-pumped Nd:YAG laser is investigated. Thermal lensing was measured by probing the output beam divergence of a dynamically stable resonator. The magnitude of lensing expected due to thermal dispersion was confirmed in a distinct range of adequate mode matching. Residual phase front curvature and superimposed higher order ring mode oscillation of the active resonator were found to limit precise quantization. Measurements on arrangements which typically exhibit higher order ring mode oscillation were performed, and compared to a refined model. The refined model is based on a modified numerical calculation of the eigenstate of the electrical field in the active resonator
Keywords :
laser modes; neodymium; optical pumping; solid lasers; thermal blooming; YAl5O12:Nd; active resonator; dynamically stable resonator; eigenstate; electrical field; end pumped continuous wave YAG:Nd lasers; higher order ring mode oscillation; mode matching; modeling; numerical calculation; oscillating mode; output beam divergence; phase front curvature; thermal dispersion; thermal lensing; Apertures; Laser beams; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Neodymium; Optical resonators; Pump lasers; Ring lasers; Solid lasers; Thermal lensing;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
