Optical modeling of the Q-switch lasers with a coherent gain model

George N. Lawrence; Anthony Yu; Jens Schwarz

doi:10.1117/12.894512

9 September 2011 Optical modeling of the Q-switch lasers with a coherent gain model

George N. Lawrence, Anthony Yu, Jens Schwarz

Proceedings Volume 8127, Optical Modeling and Performance Predictions V; 812704 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.894512
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Q-switch lasers are traditionally modeled using the rate equation approximation[1]. This model is effective in relating the energy of the population inversion to the energy in the optical pulse. It is especially effective when augmented by the Frantz-Nodvik theory that effectively builds in conservation of energy. However, the rate equation approximation theory cannot independently describe the formation of longitudinal modes and, because it does not correctly consider the finite response time of the medium, its accuracy in predicting the very fast rise time of Q-switch pulses is suspect. A more powerful based on the laser gain in terms of radiating, resonant dipoles-the coherent gain model-is needed. This paper reports progress to incorporate the more advanced coherent gain into a 3D, time resolved numerical model that can predict both sub-nanosecond effects, the growth of longitudinal modes in the Q-switched laser, and other coherent effects. Work remains to be done to explore the capabilities of this model to its full range of possibilities. Sandia National Laboratories has been interested in short pulse modeling and provided support for the development of the coherent gain model which is now being applied to the NASA Q-switch program to address fast rise times and the formation of longitudinal modes[2]-[6].

Citation Download Citation

George N. Lawrence, Anthony Yu, and Jens Schwarz "Optical modeling of the Q-switch lasers with a coherent gain model", Proc. SPIE 8127, Optical Modeling and Performance Predictions V, 812704 (9 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.894512

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