Kinetics of a solid-state laser with polarizable saturable absorber

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Nonlinear optics
• Solid-state lasers

Background:

• Understanding laser kinetics is crucial for developing stable laser systems.
• Saturable absorbers play a key role in laser dynamics and Q-switching.
• Three-level laser systems offer a versatile platform for studying optical phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically investigate the dynamics of a three-level laser with a polarizable saturable absorber.
• To analyze the stability of the Q-switching regime in such laser systems.
• To identify conditions for transitioning from unstable relaxation oscillations to stable continuous wave (CW) operation.

Main Methods:

• Numerical solution of rate equations governing laser dynamics.
• Analysis of the stability of the Q-switching regime.
• Systematic variation of parameters including absorber-polarizer orientation and pump level.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrates that the laser's operational state is sensitive to the mutual orientation of the saturable absorber and polarizer.
• Specific adjustments in pump level can also influence the laser's stability.
• Conditions were identified under which unstable relaxation oscillations transition to stable CW operation.

Conclusions:

• The orientation of the saturable absorber and polarizer is a critical factor in controlling laser stability.
• Pump level selection provides another means to achieve stable CW laser output.
• This research offers insights into the general kinetics of solid-state lasers, particularly concerning stability control.