Abstract

The fluorescence from a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG rod placed within a nonimaging pump cavity is measured. The fluorescence emission pattern is compared to a ray-trace model that calculates the absorption (gain) distribution within a solid-state laser rod. The comparison tests the validity of this ray-tracing technique for quasi-coherent pump sources (diode laser arrays). It also displays the viability of diode pumping with nonimaging pump cavities, especially in the high-power regime. The laser performance of this novel pump cavity is then measured in two pump geometries.

© 1994 Optical Society of America