Non-edge-ray design: improved optical pumping of lasers

R. John Koshel; Ian A. Walmsley

doi:10.1117/1.1751400

1 July 2004 Non-edge-ray design: improved optical pumping of lasers

R. John Koshel, Ian A. Walmsley

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 43, Issue 7, (July 2004). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1751400

Abstract

We propose a novel design method for reflective nonimaging concentrators that is based on maximizing system performance beyond standard nonimaging metrics of transfer efficiency and proscribed illumination distribution. This new technique enables system operation characteristics to influence the algorithm, including nongeometrical parameters. This algorithm is termed non-edge-ray design (NERD) because we found that edge rays do not always give optimal illumination design. The case of a diode-pumped, Nd:YAG solid state laser is provided as a confirmation of the design utility. The pump-to-mode configuration, which includes a nonimaging pump cavity reflector, is the focus of this investigation. The merit function of the design process includes not only the transfer efficiency from an extended, 2-D laser diode array, but also the mode coupling of the absorption distribution within a laser rod to its desired output mode. Standard edge-ray design is shown to limit performance, with both numerical and experimental results. Two alternative pump cavity reflectors are developed and the improvements in the outputs from the lasers in TEM₀₀ modes are presented. A periodic cavity sees over 8% improvement in optical efficiency at an output power of 10 W, while an averaging cavity provides nearly 5% improvement.

©(2004) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

R. John Koshel and Ian A. Walmsley "Non-edge-ray design: improved optical pumping of lasers," Optical Engineering 43(7), (1 July 2004). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1751400

Published: 1 July 2004

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available