Title :
High-average-power 1-μm performance and frequency conversion of a diode-end-pumped Yb:YAG laser
Author :
Bibeau, Camille ; Beach, Raymond J. ; Mitchell, Scott C. ; Emanuel, Mark A. ; Skidmore, Jay ; Ebbers, Christopher A. ; Sutton, Steven B. ; Jancaitis, Kenneth S.
Author_Institution :
Lawrence Livermore Nat. Lab., CA, USA
fDate :
10/1/1998 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Using a diode-end-pumped technology, a Yb:YAG laser capable of delivering up to 434 W of CW power has been demonstrated. The system incorporates a unique composite rod design which allows for high-average-power operation while simultaneously suppressing parasitic oscillations. Modeling and experimental data to support the quenching of parasitics are discussed. Beam quality measurements for CW operation with several cavity configurations are presented. In particular, beam quality measurements at 340-W CW yielded a beam quality factor of M2=21. Predictions of a quasi-three-level model are compared with the experimental data for several output coupler reflectivities. An observed dependence of the cavity mode fill as a function of output coupler reflectivity is discussed. Employing a single acoustooptical switch, the system was Q-switched at 10 kHz and generated output powers up to 280 W with a measured beam quality of M2=6.8 at 212 W, With an external dual-KTP crystal configuration, the Q-switched output was frequency converted to 515 nm and produced up to 76 W at 10 kHz in a 30-ns pulse length
Keywords :
Q-switching; laser beams; laser cavity resonators; optical frequency conversion; optical pumping; solid lasers; ytterbium; 1 mum; 10 kHz; 1030 nm; 280 W; 30 ns; 31 ns; 340 W; 434 W; 515 nm; 76 W; CW operation; Q-switching; YAG:Yb; YAl5O12:Yb; Yb:YAG laser; acoustooptical switch; beam quality factor; beam quality measurements; cavity configurations; diode-end-pumped technology; external dual-KTP crystal configuration; frequency conversion; high-average-power operation; lens duct performance; modeling; output coupler reflectivities; parasitic oscillation suppression; pulse length; quasi-three-level model; thermal lensing; Diodes; Frequency conversion; Laser beams; Laser modes; Power generation; Power lasers; Power system modeling; Pulse measurements; Reflectivity; Switches;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
