We present investigations on output power limitations of near-diffraction-limited compact $$\hbox {Ho}^{3+}$$
Ho
3
+
:YAG laser resonators employing a homogeneous or segmented laser crystal. An approach for designing a segmented crystal is presented. Maximum output powers of $${57.6}\,\hbox {W}$$
57.6
W
and $${51.9}\,\hbox {W}$$
51.9
W
are reached with the homogeneous and segmented crystal, respectively, resulting in pulse energies of $${1.14}\,\hbox {mJ}$$
1.14
mJ
and $${1.04}\,\hbox {mJ}$$
1.04
mJ
at a repetition rate of $${50}\,\hbox {kHz}$$
50
kHz
in Q-switched operation. Interferometric experiments are conducted to derive the radial temperature profile for both crystals. Simulations based on a split-step beam propagation method are used to model the longitudinal temperature gradient in both crystals.
We present a highly accurate model for end-pumped continuous-wave $$\hbox {Ho}^{3+}$$
Ho
3
+
:YAG laser resonators, based on a vectorial beam propagation method (BPM) algorithm. Thermal effects in the laser crystal like thermal lensing and stress birefringence are taken into consideration. The implementation of these effects is based on an iterative method, which updates the temperature and displacement in the crystal at specific roundtrip intervals. An experimental $$\hbox {Ho}^{3+}$$
Ho
3
+
:YAG resonator cavity in continuous wave operation is used to validate the model. At higher pump powers, the resonator reaches its stability limit and shows beam distortions, which is well replicated with the presented model.
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