General analysis of slab lasers using geometrical optics

    Authors

    T. Y. Chung;M. Bass

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Appl. Optics

    Keywords

    INDUCED STRESS BIREFRINGENCE; Optics

    Abstract

    A thorough and general geometrical optics analysis of a slab-shaped laser gain medium is presented. The length and thickness ratio is critical if one is to achieve the maximum utilization of absorbed pump power by the laser light in such a medium; e.g., the fill factor inside the slab is to be maximized. We point out that the conditions for a fill factor equal to 1, laser light entering and exiting parallel to the length of the slab, and Brewster angle incidence on the entrance and exit faces cannot all be satisfied at the same time. Deformed slabs are also studied. Deformation along the width direction of the largest surfaces is shown to significantly reduce the fill factor that is possible.

    Journal Title

    Applied Optics

    Volume

    46

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2007

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    581

    Last Page

    590

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000243782500019

    ISSN

    1559-128X

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