ENCAPSULATED ROD FOR EFFICIENT THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN DIODE-SIDE-PUMPED ND-YAG LASERS

摘要

Theoretical calculations of energy deposition, temperature, and thermally induced birefringence are presented for a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser that has the laser rod optically fixed into a right-rectangular prism with a square cross section. The design provides uniform cooling of the rod and allows for a number of conduction-cooling techniques to be used. Average output powers >5 Ware feasible at optical-to-optical efficiencies of similar to 20% for long-pulse operation and similar to 10% for Q-switched operation for quite simple and convenient cooling arrangements (e.g., Peltier cooling). (C) 1996 Optical Society of America [References: 10]