Title :
Observation of enhanced thermal lensing due to near-Gaussian pump energy deposition in a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser
Author :
Welford, David ; Rines, David M. ; Dinerman, Bradley J. ; Martinsen, Robert
Author_Institution :
Schwartz Electro-Opt. Inc., Concord, MA, USA
fDate :
4/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The authors report operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a novel pumping geometry that ensures efficient conversion of pump energy into the TEM00 mode. Significant enhancement of thermally induced lensing due to the near-Gaussian energy deposition profile of the pump radiation was observed. An induced lens of approximately 3.2-m focal length was measured at average incident pump powers of only 3.2 W (corresponding to a 0.6 W heat load)
Keywords :
neodymium; optical pumping; solid lasers; thermal blooming; 3.2 W; YAG:Nd; YAl5O12:Nd; efficient conversion; focal length; induced lens; laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser; near-Gaussian pump energy deposition; pump energy; pumping geometry; thermal lensing; Geometrical optics; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Laser tuning; Lenses; Optical arrays; Pulsed laser deposition; Pump lasers; Semiconductor laser arrays; Thermal lensing;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
