Abstract

The measured thermal properties of titanium-doped sapphire crystals have been incorporated into a mathematical model for the transport of heat in finite laser rods. The crystals have a nominal titanium concentration of 0.09% by weight of the oxide. Measured values (at 23°C) are 0.219 cal/g K for the specific heat and 0.358 and 0.386 W/cm K for the anisotropic thermal conductivity perpendicular to the parallel and to the c axis, respectively. Orthonormal radial and longitudinal eigenfunctions were obtained, and the time evolution of the temperature distribution in the rod was calculated for end pumping configurations assuming radiative boundary conditions at all surfaces. Computed effective decay times of heat dissipation within the modeled crystals indicated the need for active cooling if a repetitive pulsed operation is desired.

© 1987 Optical Society of America