Dynamic optical properties of CW Nd:YAlG lasers

The thermal and optical properties of CW Nd:YAlG laser rods have been measured before and during optical pumping with tungsten lamps. Instabilities in the optical properties during pumping were found to correlate reasonably well with the fluid flow characteristics of the coolant used. The importance of stable optical properties to the attainment of maximum laser radiance and amplitude stability is emphasized. Estimates of the mean temperature rise and profile in the rod during pumping are given.