Periodic resonators for average-power scaling of stable-resonator solid-state lasers

Thermal lensing of solid-state laser gain media causes the resonator-mode parameters to vary with pump power. For a single-rod laser system, this effect limits the output-power range for stable laser operation. For multirod laser systems, the power range for stable operation can be increased beyond the limit of single-rod resonators by placing the rods in a periodic resonator structure.<
>