High-sensitivity two-dimensional observation of thermal birefringence in the laser diode pumped solid state lasers

摘要

We report the high-sensitivity measurements of 2D thermal birefringence distribution in LD pumped Nd:glass (HAP4) laser under lasing at 1054 nm and non lasing conditions. The thermal birefringence was reduced under the lasing condition compared to the non lasing condition. By inserting a 90$DGR quartz rotator between two identically LD pumped Nd:glass rods, almost perfect birefringence compensation was achieved with very little residual birefringence. A considerable reduction of birefringence loss from over 20% before compensation to less than 1% after compensation was observed.