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Thermally induced depolarization in TGG ceramics
1National Institute for Fusion Science, Toki, Gifu, Japan. yasuhara@nifs.ac.jp
Optics Letters
|August 14, 2013
Summary
Thermal birefringence in terbium gallium garnet (TGG) ceramics causes laser depolarization. Ceramic TGG shows depolarization ratios similar to single crystals, validating theoretical predictions for laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Materials Science
- Solid-state laser physics
Background:
- Thermal birefringence is a critical factor affecting laser performance.
- Terbium gallium garnet (TGG) is a promising material for laser applications.
- Understanding depolarization in TGG ceramics is essential for optimizing laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate thermal birefringence-induced depolarization in TGG ceramics.
- To compare the depolarization characteristics of TGG ceramics with single-crystal TGG.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurement of depolarization ratio under varying continuous-wave (cw) laser power.
- Characterization of TGG ceramic samples.
Main Results:
- A depolarization ratio of 6.1×10⁻⁴ was observed at a maximum input power of 117 W cw (normalized laser power p=0.14).
- The depolarization ratio and its slope with respect to laser power in ceramic TGG closely matched previously reported data for high-quality-cut <111> single-crystal TGG.
- Experimental results align with theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- TGG ceramics exhibit thermal birefringence-induced depolarization comparable to single-crystal TGG.
- Ceramic TGG is a viable alternative to single-crystal TGG for applications where thermal birefringence is a concern.
- The findings support the theoretical model for thermal birefringence in TGG materials.
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