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Transient pump-probe analysis of pump-induced lensing in laser amplifiers
Optics Express
|April 4, 2024
Summary
This study quantifies pump-induced lensing in laser amplifiers, distinguishing thermal and population lensing effects under pulsed operation. The findings aid in designing high-power lasers with improved spatial quality.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Optical engineering
Background:
- Pump-induced lensing is critical for high-power laser design.
- Existing knowledge lacks detail on thermal vs. population lensing interplay, lasing conditions, and transient effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide quantitative insight into pump-induced lensing effects in laser amplifiers.
- To differentiate thermal and population lensing contributions and their transient behavior.
Main Methods:
- Experimental transient pump-probe measurements in an alexandrite laser amplifier.
- Utilized a short-pulse Gaussian pump beam and varied pump beam sizes.
- Developed and compared results with analytical transient theory for Gaussian beams.
Main Results:
- Observed significant differences in lensing under lasing versus non-lasing conditions.
- Distinguished population and thermal lens contributions based on response times.
- Demonstrated varying relative strengths of lensing mechanisms with different pump beam sizes.
Conclusions:
- The study offers a methodology for quantitative investigation of pump-induced lensing.
- Achieved excellent agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions.
- Provided quantitative data on thermal and population contributions to amplifier lensing.
