Efficient TEM(00)-mode operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd:YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers are widely used.
• Efficiently generating the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM00) is crucial for many laser applications.
• Optimizing pump energy conversion in side-pumped configurations presents engineering challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the operation of a laser-diode side-pumped Nd: YAG laser.
• To demonstrate a novel pumping geometry for enhanced TEM00 mode conversion.
• To quantify the laser's energy output and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laser-diode array for side-pumping the Nd: YAG crystal.
• Implemented a novel pumping geometry designed to maximize pump energy coupling into the TEM00 mode.
• Measured the output pulse energy at 1064 nm and the pump energy at 808 nm.

Main Results:

• Achieved 11.8 mJ of output energy per pulse (200-microsecond duration) with 64 mJ of 808 nm pump energy.
• Demonstrated an overall energy conversion efficiency of 18%.
• Obtained a slope efficiency of 23%.

Conclusions:

• The novel pumping geometry effectively converts pump energy into the desired TEM00 mode.
• The developed Nd: YAG laser system exhibits high conversion and slope efficiencies.
• This design offers a promising approach for efficient, high-quality laser output.