Active pulse shaping for end-pumped Nd:YVO₄ amplifier with high gain.

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics and Engineering
• Nonlinear Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Solid-state lasers are crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Controlling laser pulse shapes is essential for optimizing performance in areas like high-intensity physics and material processing.
• Neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) is a widely used gain medium for lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate active pulse shaping for a solid-state Nd:YVO4 amplifier.
• To generate a variety of useful laser pulse shapes, including a highly stable square pulse.
• To propose a numerical method for designing active pulse shaping without experimental testing.

Main Methods:

• Active shaping techniques were applied to a solid-state Nd:YVO4 amplifier.
• A numerical method was developed and proposed for simulating and designing the pulse shaping process.
• Characterization of output pulse shapes and amplitude stability was performed.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high average gain of 39.2 dB.
• Generated an average output power of 8.3 W from an input power of 1 mW.
• Successfully produced a range of pulse shapes, including a very flat square pulse with root-mean-square amplitude variation below 3%.

Conclusions:

• Active pulse shaping is effectively demonstrated in a solid-state Nd:YVO4 amplifier.
• The proposed numerical method facilitates the design of lasers with desired pulse shapes and high peak power (>100 kW).
• This work paves the way for advanced laser system design with precise temporal control.