Efficient diode pumping for Q-switched Yb:Er:glass lasers

摘要

A system of local rate equations combined with a ray-tracing technique is used for numerical analysis of energy storage within a Yb:Er:glass laser under diode pumping. It is shown that any pumping system could be characterized by relative pumping efficiency, which depends mainly on the pumping source parameters but only slightly on parameters of the Yb:Er:glass. Transverse pumping can ensure the storage efficiency close to the utmost value for the glass. Some simple and efficient pumping cavities are considered. A traditional end-pumping configuration with collimating lenses is considerably less efficient. Application of nonimaging optical elements such as a lens duct can effectively increase the efficiency.