Diode-pumped 250-W zigzag slab Nd:YAG oscillator amplifier system

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ultrashort-pulse laser systems require high-power pump sources.
• Master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) architectures are crucial for achieving high energy and power levels.
• Efficient pumping is essential for optimizing laser system performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a laser-diode-pumped zigzag slab Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) MOPA system.
• To achieve high pulse energy and high average power for pumping ultrashort-pulse lasers.
• To characterize the performance and suitability of the MOPA system for pumping applications.

Main Methods:

• The MOPA system comprised an oscillator, preamplifier, and two angle-multiplexed ring-type double-pass postamplifiers.
• Image-relay telescopes were employed for beam manipulation.
• A Lithium Triborate (LiB3O5 or LBO) crystal was used for frequency doubling.

Main Results:

• The Nd:YAG MOPA system achieved a pulse energy of 1.26 J and an average power of 251 W at a 200 Hz repetition rate.
• A frequency-doubled power of 105 W was obtained at a 170 Hz repetition rate using the LiB3O5 crystal.
• The intensity profiles of the fundamental and second harmonic were nearly top-hat shaped, indicating suitability for pumping.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG MOPA system effectively delivers high pulse energy and average power.
• The system's output characteristics, including top-hat intensity profiles, are well-suited for pumping ultrashort-pulse laser systems.
• This MOPA system represents a significant advancement in high-power laser technology for demanding applications.