Cladding-pumped, Yb:YAG-core, fiber-like waveguide laser: modeling and experiment

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Fiber-like waveguide lasers offer unique advantages for high-power applications.
• ytterbium-doped YAG (Yb:YAG) is a key material for efficient laser operation.
• Cladding-pumped architectures enable effective energy deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a predictive model for cladding-pumped Yb:YAG-core waveguide laser performance.
• To analyze the impact of Yb-doping concentration and waveguide parameters on efficiency.
• To identify conditions for maximizing pump and laser efficiencies and understand power scaling limitations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical model for waveguide laser performance.
• Analysis of pump absorption and laser output efficiencies.
• Experimental validation using a double-clad Yb:YAG waveguide laser.
• Cladding-pumped configuration utilizing a fiber-coupled laser diode module.

Main Results:

• The model accurately predicts laser performance based on waveguide parameters and doping.
• Optimal conditions for maximizing pump and laser efficiencies were determined.
• Core temperature was identified as the primary factor limiting power scaling.
• Experimental validation achieved 41.6 W output power and 73% slope efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a valuable tool for designing high-performance Yb:YAG waveguide lasers.
• Waveguide design, cavity parameters, and core temperature influence laser output wavelength (1030 or 1050 nm).
• Experimental results confirm the model's predictions, demonstrating the potential for efficient high-power laser operation.