Side-pumped laser with angled diode pumps

摘要

The present invention relates to a laser device and particularly a laser device having an elongated laser medium with a sidewall and an axis and capable when stimulated of having a population inversion established therein and an accompanying lasing condition, and a pair of pump sources at angle with respect to each other relative to the axis of the medium and positioned to pump energy uninteruptedly into the sides of the medium thereat. In the present construction the pump sources are rows of diode lasers and the construction includes an apparatus for dissipating the heat generated in the pump sources and in the medium. The angular orientation between the pump sources relative to the axis of the medium can vary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle and the device can have a reflective layer positioned on or adjacent to the medium at locations on the opposite side of the medium from the respective pump sources.