A new approach in solar-to-laser power conversion based on the use of external solar spectrum frequency converters

Abstract

A new approach based on the use of external frequency converters for Nd:YAG solar pumped lasers providing effective conversion of solar-to-laser power is proposed. The possibility of a more than four-fold increase in Nd:YAG solar pumped laser efficiency is shown by the simulation calculation method. V C 2016 AIP Publishing LLC. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4939505] JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 8, 015902 (2016) 015902-2 Sh. Payziyev and Kh. Makhmudov J. Renewable Sustainable Energy 8, 015902 (2016) 015902-6 Sh. Payziyev and Kh. Makhmudov J. Renewable Sustainable Energy 8, 015902 (2016)

Solar pumped Nd:YAG laser efficiency enhancement using Cr:LiCAF frequency down-shifter

“…To validate the simulation model [14] the laser system reported in [15] is chosen because there were all the parameters there needed for calculations to reproduce its results. On the other hand that report was chosen for modeling because of its configuration that was close to one which we consider here for the analyses of possibility of increase of Nd:YAG solar lasers pumping efficiency.…”

“…Calculated input-output dependence based on simulation results for laser system of [15]. Performance analyses have been conducted for the laser layout described in [14] replacing only the frequency converter to Cr: LiCAF.…”

“…The solar laser beam quality from a side-pumping configuration can be better than those by end-pumping configurations. Therefore, as a continuation of our research [14] on enhancement of solar-laser-power conversion efficiency in addition to the end-pumping scheme the light guide side-pumping configuration is also considered here for comparing the laser performances of the Nd:YAG active medium with and without external solar spectrum frequency converters. As an external frequency converter (frequency down-shifter) Cr 3 þ :LICAF is alternatively considered since its excellent properties similar to Cr 3 þ :GSGG.…”

“…In this connection in [14] we proposed a new approach based on the use of sensitizers outside the active medium, namely the use of external solar spectrum frequency converters to enhance the pumping efficiency of Nd:YAG active medium. It had been studied Cr 3 þ :GSGG, Cr 3 þ : YAG materials as an external frequency converters to the Nd:YAG or Ce:Nd:YAG active mediums and it was shown more than two-fold increase of pumping efficiencies of active mediums used.…”

“…Performance analyses have been conducted by the use of a model described in our previous work [14]. The model is implemented in MATLAB.…”