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

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers are widely used.
• Efficient pumping of small-diameter laser rods presents a challenge.
• Achieving high-quality, fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM00) operation is crucial for many laser applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel diode-laser side-pumping geometry for Nd:YAG lasers.
• To enhance pumping efficiency and TEM00-mode operation.
• To explore the performance of a multipass pumping configuration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a diode-laser side-pumped Nd:YAG laser system.
• Employed a simple, multipass pumping geometry.
• Conducted experimental measurements and numerical simulations.

Main Results:

• Achieved 5.8 mJ output energy in a near TEM00 mode for 21.5 mJ pump energy.
• Demonstrated a 27% optical efficiency in experimental results.
• Numerical simulations predicted a 40% optical efficiency with good mode quality.

Conclusions:

• The investigated multipass pumping geometry enables efficient pumping of small-diameter Nd:YAG laser rods.
• This approach reduces dependence on pump wavelength and facilitates efficient TEM00-mode operation.
• The results show high potential for developing efficient and high-quality laser systems.