Open AccessMultiphysics model of liquid-cooled Nd:phosphate split-slabs in large aperture optical amplifiers
Author(s) -
R. Chonion,
J.M. Sajer,
Édouard Bordenave,
F. Le Palud,
Pierre-Marie Dalbies,
Jérôme Neauport
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.394271
Subject(s) - optics , multiphysics , materials science , amplifier , wavefront , laser , optoelectronics , physics , finite element method , cmos , thermodynamics
High repetition rates in high energy solid-state laser systems can yield to a rise of temperature in amplifiers despite the use of cooling systems. This effect can significantly impact the performance of amplifiers by inducing thermal stress, birefringence or thermal lensing. Here, we develop a multiphysics model to support the design, optimization and commissioning of a liquid-cooled large aperture split-slab laser glass amplifier. This multiphysics model includes optical pumping in the amplifying medium, heat loading, hydraulic effects induced by the liquid coolant, mechanical deformation and their potential coupled effects on the optical wavefront. The accuracy of each model is assessed by carrying out specific experimental measurements and characterizations. We show that this set of models allows the prediction of performance of a liquid-cooled amplifier from the flash-lamp emission to the amplified wavefront at a repetition rate of one shot per minute.