Analytic model for calculating pump-induced wavefront distortions in laser slabs.

摘要

We have developed an analytical model to predict the pump-induced wavefront distortions in flashlamp-pumped, Nd:glass, Brewster-angle slab amplifiers. The model is based on analytically solving the time-dependent bi-harmonic equation for a thin plate to obtain the spatially and time-varying surface distortions. These distortions are then directly related to the uneven heating of the laser slab by pumping processes. Experimental verification for the model was obtained by measuring the time-dependent deflections of a small-diameter CW probe beam that had been passed through our multi-segment amplifier. Good agreement between the model and experiment was obtained.