Optimized diode-pumped passive Q-switched ytterbium-erbium glass laser.

A model taking into account the up-conversion processes involving the upper laser level and the presence of the unpumped regions within the active element along with the lasing transitions has been developed for the passive Q-switched ytterbium-erbium glass laser which was transversally pumped by the laser diode arrays. The results of the simulation allow determining the working point providing the stable and long-term operation of the laser. The correctness of the proposed optimized model was experimentally proved by means of a comparative investigation of the utmost permissible output lasing characteristics. The maximum output lasing pulse energy up to 16.5 mJ with the pulse duration of 11.5-16.0 ns at the wavelength of 1.535 μm has been achieved with the rectangular active element for the length of 32 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]