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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 16, Iss. 9 — Apr. 28, 2008
  • pp: 6041–6049

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 16 > Issue 9 > Page 6041

Thermal lensing in an end-pumped Yb:KGW slab laser with high power single emitter diodes

F. Hoos, S. Li, T. P. Meyrath, B. Braun, and H. Giessen  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 9, pp. 6041-6049 (2008)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.16.006041


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Abstract

We demonstrate that it is possible to pump an Ng -cut Yb:KGW crystal slab with up to 18W by a single emitter laser diode and still achieve a nearly diffraction limited output beam with a M2 value below M2<1.1 and optical to optical efficiencies of more than 44%. Furthermore, we have measured the focal length of thermally induced lenses in an Yb:KGW crystal slab which was end-pumped by 12 W and 18 W single-emitter diodes. We have observed that the focal lengths not only depend on the pump power and beam waists, but are also dependent on the specific diode beam profile, as well as the collimation optics. We have been able to correlate this behavior with specific patterns of the beam profile.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(140.3480) Lasers and laser optics : Lasers, diode-pumped
(140.5560) Lasers and laser optics : Pumping
(140.6810) Lasers and laser optics : Thermal effects
(230.6080) Optical devices : Sources
(140.3615) Lasers and laser optics : Lasers, ytterbium

ToC Category:
Lasers and Laser Optics

History
Original Manuscript: March 7, 2008
Revised Manuscript: April 3, 2008
Manuscript Accepted: April 10, 2008
Published: April 14, 2008

Citation
F. Hoos, S. Li, T. P. Meyrath, B. Braun, and H. Giessen, "Thermal lensing in an end-pumped Yb:KGW slab laser with high power single emitter diodes," Opt. Express 16, 6041-6049 (2008)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-9-6041


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