Efficient Nd:YAG based solar pumped single mode laser

As the current solar pumped Lasers have shown to yield a very low efficiency, this research explores the opportunity of a simulated design which can be more efficient in converting solar energy into optical power. This paper presents the software design of an Neodymium Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd
^3+:
Y
3
Al
5
O
12
) laser using LASCAD and also presents the categorization of the design using a theoretical mathematical model. Overall, results of output power versus rod length and cavity length were compared to yield the optimum results. Side pumping method was used to pump the Laser. A high output of 105.3 W was achieved by a Laser rod of 25 mm length and 3 mm diameter. A high slope efficiency of 28.96% was also achieved, which is higher than previously recorded values. A low threshold pump power of 30.4 W which is also less than the preceding record is used in the design, and all along a single mode profile was maintained.