Vol. 33, Issue 2-3, pp. 421-431 (2003)

Abstract

A numerical model of side pumped gain elements of rod or slab shape enabling estimation of overlapping efficiency and threshold was developed. This model was applied for analysis and optimization of laser heads side pumped by a single diode bar. The diode side pumped lasers heads for Nd:YAG rod and slab active elements were designed and characterized under real pumping conditions with a 40-W diode bar. The optical performance of both types of heads was shown experimentally to be delimited by transversal, asymmetrical thermal gradients resulting in high level of depolarization and diffraction losses. The fundamental mode limit is about 20 W per 1 cm for a head side pumped by a single diode bar.