Dynamic correction of thermal lensing and birefringence in high-power solid state lasers

Inon Moshe; Steven M. Jackel

doi:10.1117/12.413969

25 January 2001 Dynamic correction of thermal lensing and birefringence in high-power solid state lasers

Inon Moshe, Steven M. Jackel

Proceedings Volume 4184, XIII International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers and High-Power Laser Conference; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.413969
Event: XIII International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers and High-Power Laser Conference, 2000, Florence, Italy

Abstract

Enhanced birefringence compensation together with dynamic thermal focus correction was demonstrated in a high-power, high-pulse-energy oscillator based on two flashlamp-pumped, 1x10cm Nd:YAG rods. Birefringence compensation was achieved by 90¡ polarization rotation with either a quartz rotator between the rods or with a Faraday Rotator between forward and backward resonator passes. An Imaging Variable Radius Mirror ÑIVRM composed of discrete optics was used as the resonator rear mirror. Imaging was required to re-image the rod principal plane onto itself so as to minimize the birefringence compensation's bifocal tensing sensitivity. Dynamic control of the IVRM radius of curvature was required to compensate thermal focusing variations. Integration into a Reentrant configuration, enabled average output power of 114W @ 20Hz with 3% overall efficiency in a polarized beam. Pulse energy dropped by only 3% compared to "cold" operation.

Citation Download Citation

Inon Moshe and Steven M. Jackel "Dynamic correction of thermal lensing and birefringence in high-power solid state lasers", Proc. SPIE 4184, XIII International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers and High-Power Laser Conference, (25 January 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.413969

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