Optimizing the efficiency and stored energy in quasi-three-level lasers

A model is developed for calculating the pumping efficiency of quasi-three-level lasers operated in the energy storage mode. The model is specifically applied to room temperature 1.03- mu m Yb:YAG lasers and predicts that diode-pumped Yb:YAG lasers can be at least as efficient as diode-pumped Nd:YAG lasers provided that the pump intensity is sufficiently high. The effect of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is also investigated to find the relation between activator ion concentration and the ASE-limited stored energy in active mirror gain elements.<
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