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Published on: June 10, 2019
Numerical modeling of alkali vapor lasers
Hong Shu1, Ying Chen, Michael Bass
1College of Optics and Photonics, CREOL, FPCE, and Townes Laser Institute, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA. hshu@creol.ucf.edu
Optics Express
|October 15, 2011
Summary
This study analyzes continuous wave alkali vapor lasers, revealing that lasing alters spatial patterns and boosts pump absorption. Findings aid in developing high-power, diode laser-pumped alkali vapor lasers.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Continuous wave (cw) alkali vapor lasers are crucial for high-power applications.
- Understanding laser operation dynamics is key to optimizing performance.
- Diode laser pumping offers a pathway to more efficient and compact alkali vapor laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct detailed numerical analyses of a cw, single spatial mode alkali vapor laser.
- To provide insights into alkali vapor laser operation for developing high-power, diode laser-pumped systems.
- To investigate the impact of pump beam characteristics on laser performance.
Main Methods:
- Numerical analysis of a continuous wave, single spatial mode alkali vapor laser.
- Simulation of laser spatial pattern evolution through the gain medium.
- Analysis of pump absorption efficiency and distribution.
- Investigation of the effects of pump beam transverse size and waist location.
Main Results:
- The laser spatial pattern significantly changes with each pass through the gain medium.
- Steady-state spatial patterns differ markedly from passive cavity modes.
- Lasing enhances pump absorption efficiency and alters absorbed pump distribution.
- An optimal pump beam waist radius was identified, and the effect of waist location shift was studied.
Conclusions:
- Numerical simulations offer valuable insights into alkali vapor laser dynamics.
- Optimizing pump beam parameters, such as waist radius and location, is critical for efficient laser operation.
- The findings support the development of advanced, high-power diode laser-pumped alkali vapor lasers.
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