Optimization of power performance in room-temperature continuous-wave Cr4+: YAG lasers

Abstract

Experimental and numerical studies were carried out to investigate the power performance and the role of thermal loading in room-temperature Cr4+:YAG lasers. The numerical model accounts for thermal loading effects due to the temperature dependence of the fluorescence lifetime. Experimental pump absorption. laser threshold. and laser efficiency data were first analyzed to determine the absorption, emission, and excited-state absorption cross-sections. Best-fit cross-section values were then used to perform numerical optimization studies. Results showed that a 2-cm-long crystal with a total unsaturated pump absorption of 64% at 1064 nm, should produce the maximum output power from the laser. Furthermore, the optimum output coupling of the resonator was determined to be 1.7%, (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.