Modeling of quasi-three-level Lasers and operation of cw Yb:YAG lasers

摘要

We present modeling studies of quasi-three-level laser oscillators, the validity of which was revealed by Ti:Al↓(2)O↓(3)-pumped Yb:YAG laser experiments, and these results are shown to be in excellent agreement with the theory. As much as 75% slope efficiency was obtained with a hemispherical laser cavity. Previous modeling calculations of laser performance have been valid only for certain special cases, restricting application to TEM↓(00) Gaussian beam pumping and lasing profiles. This analysis may be applied to other longitudinally pumped quasi-three-level laser media in which the modes are not only TEM↓(00) Gaussian beams but also other higher-order transverse modes, including the top-hat pumping profile that can be used to model transverse pumping schemes. #1997 Optical Society of America