Fluorescence Amplification and Parasitic Oscillation Limitations in Disc Lasers

摘要

In disc laser amplifiers, the achievable inversion (and thus the gain and energy output) is limited by fluorescence amplification and parasitic oscillaiton. In the paper, analytic results and Monte Carlo calculations of both these effects are presented for spheres, circular discs, and elliptical discs. The effects of gain, fluorescence line profile, refractive indices, and disc thickness on fluorescence amplification are presented. Parasitic oscillation is analyzed as a function of edge and face index ratios, and of edge roughening. The effects of both processes on peak inversion achieved during a pumping pulse are also presented. In conclusion, the maximum practical size of Nd(3+) glass laser discs is estimated to be about 30 cm due to the effects of parasitic oscillation and fluorescence amplification. (Author)