ENCAPSULATED ROD FOR EFFICIENT THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN DIODE-SIDE-PUMPED ND-YAG LASERS

Theoretical calculations of energy deposition, temperature, and therma lly induced birefringence are presented for a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser that has the laser rod optically fixed into a right-rectangular prism with a square cross section. The design provides uniform coolin g of the rod and allows for a number of conduction-cooling techniques to be used. Average output powers >5 Ware feasible at optical-to-optic al efficiencies of similar to 20% for long-pulse operation and similar to 10% for Q-switched operation for quite simple and convenient cooli ng arrangements (e.g., Peltier cooling). (C) 1996 Optical Society of A merica