Laser performance of pulse pumped Yb:YAG laser with different products of disc thickness and concentrations from room to cryogenic temperatures

摘要

Using different products of disc thickness and Yb ions concentration, we report on the laser performance of Yb:YAG crystals under room and cryogenic temperatures. The optimum crystal parameters have been realized. With a thickness of 0.8 mm, 15 at % Yb ions doping concentration laser crystal, high optical to optical efficiency of 85.2% and slope efficiency of 89.0% have been achieved and the maximum output energy was 75.6 mJ at similar to 80 K. Furthermore, the wavelength-switching phenomenon was observed owing to a lower loss cavity with the temperature reduction. Calculation results from the model based on the rate equations were well consistent with the laser output performance. The wavelength-switching effect was also explained by this model.