Simulation of solid state lasers and amplifiers

Abstract

Modern simulation of solid state lasers and amplifiers is a multi-physics problem. It requires the simulation of light with different techniques, as well as coupling of optical effects with other physical effects like deformation and stress inside a laser crystal. We present and overview simulation techniques which are necessary for an accurate modelling of solid state laser. These include ray tracing for modeling of pump light, Gauss mode analysis for stability calculations of a laser cavity, and vectorial beam propagation method for the amplifier simulation. It is also necessary to perform mechanical or rate equations simulations. Structural mechanics simulation is required for the calculation of thermal lens and thermally induced birefringence effects inside a laser crystal. Coupling Gauss mode analysis and rate equations leads to the dynamic mode analysis (DMA), which is used to calculate output power and beam quality of a laser. Furthermore, we present a mode amplification method, which allows us to simulate spectral narrowing in laser amplifiers and power and beam quality calculation.The above mentioned simulation techniques have been integrated into laser simulation software package ASLD. We have used highly efficient algorithms and modern software techniques, together with a user friendly GUI. This enables users to efficiently simulate complex resonator and amplifier designs and save their development time and costs. Furthermore, ASLD can be used for educational purpose at universities and research institutes.