Open AccessCladding-pumped, Yb:YAG-core, fiber-like waveguide laser: modeling and experiment
Author(s) -
V. A. Fromzel,
Nikolay TerGabrielyan,
Mark Dubinskii
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.387170
Subject(s) - cladding (metalworking) , materials science , optics , slope efficiency , laser , fiber laser , core (optical fiber) , laser power scaling , waveguide , optoelectronics , physics , composite material
We developed a model describing the performance of the cladding-pumped, Yb:YAG-core, fiber-like waveguide laser with a large cladding-to-core area ratio. We analyzed how pump absorption and laser output efficiencies depend on the Yb-doping level as well as the waveguide parameters, such as clad-to-core area ratio and waveguide length. We also determined the conditions that maximize both pump and laser efficiency. We showed that, depending on the waveguide design, cavity parameters as well as the core temperature, this laser can operate either at 1030 or 1050 nm. We have also shown that the main factor limiting power scaling of such a waveguide laser is the core temperature. The model was validated by laser experiments with a 174 mm long, double-clad, Yb(20%):YAG-core waveguide, with the cladding-to-core area ratio of 43.4. An output power of 41.6 W and slope efficiency of 73% with respect to the absorbed pump power have been achieved with cladding pumping by a fiber-coupled laser diode module at 933 nm. Our experimental results were in a good agreement with the modeling predictions.