Analysis and modeling of a transient thermal lens in pulsed solid-state lasers

We present the results of experimental studies and computer modeling of the transient regime of the formation of a thermal lens in Nd :YAG and Nd, Cr : GSGG crystals with pulse-periodic optical pumping of the active element. The proposed method of analysis allows variations of the thermal lens in th e transient thermal regime to be estimated without spending much computer t ime with an accuracy sufficient for practical applications and permits an o ptical scheme of a laser system, including extracavity optical elements, to be designed in the optimal way.