Modeling of end-pumped CW quasi-three-level lasers

Abstract

A plane wave model has been developed to describe the dynamic behavior of end-pumped CW quasi-three-level lasers. We have derived algebraic equations and analytic expressions from a set of coupled rate equations. The analytic expression predicts that characteristics of a laser are affected not only by the Boltzmann occupation factor of the pump states, but also by that of the laser states. To illustrate the utility of the model, an end-pumped Yb:YAG laser oscillator was investigated and optimized. We have examined the threshold value of the pump beam, pump beam depletion in the gain medium, optimal crystal length, and laser output power for a given pump power. Finally, we have shown the pump and laser intensities and the population of each manifold as a function of crystal length.