Simulation and experimental implement of beam-shaping in a side-pumped Nd:YAG amplifier

Tianzhuo Zhao; Hong Xiao; Ke Huang; Zhongwei Fan

doi:10.1117/12.2197724

Translator Disclaimer

15 October 2015 Simulation and experimental implement of beam-shaping in a side-pumped Nd:YAG amplifier

Tianzhuo Zhao, Hong Xiao, Ke Huang, Zhongwei Fan

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9673, AOPC 2015: Micro/Nano Optical Manufacturing Technologies; and Laser Processing and Rapid Prototyping Techniques; 967303 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2197724
Event: Applied Optics and Photonics China (AOPC2015), 2015, Beijing, China

Abstract

A side-pumped Nd:YAG amplifier that can realize amplification and beam shaping simultaneously is reported. As a typical application, a Gaussian intensity profile of signal laser was amplified and converted into a flat-top distribution. The main parameters satisfying this requirement involved structural designation and optical parameters adjustment of the pumping laser diode LD, to obtain a specific gain distribution on cross section of the working material. Among them the key considerations include central wavelength of LDs and pumping radius to the centre of Nd:YAG rod. Take an example of 15mm-dameter Nd:YAG side-pumped rod amplifier, where 13.5kW laser diode bars were used, we simulated an uniform flat top laser profile by ray-tracing method. The following experiment shows a good agreement with the simulation. Moreover, gradual absorption coefficient of the working material could also be well compensated while realizing flat-top beam to flat-top beam amplification.

Citation Download Citation

Tianzhuo Zhao, Hong Xiao, Ke Huang, and Zhongwei Fan "Simulation and experimental implement of beam-shaping in a side-pumped Nd:YAG amplifier", Proc. SPIE 9673, AOPC 2015: Micro/Nano Optical Manufacturing Technologies; and Laser Processing and Rapid Prototyping Techniques, 967303 (15 October 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2197724

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE