Modeling of longitudinally pumped CW Ti:sapphire laser oscillators

Longitudinal pumping of CW Ti:sapphire oscillators is considered to predict the power output of such oscillators using folded, astigmatically compensated cavities. The model predicts how the oscillator performance is affected by the selection of Ti³⁺ concentration, material figure of merit, rod length, and pump and cavity mode waists. Experimental results for broadband CW oscillators pumped by CW argon ion lasers are reported, and these are shown to be in excellent agreement with theory. Nearly 30% slope efficiency is achieved with a four-mirror folded cavity and even higher efficiencies are predicted for optimized pumping