Pumping a Thin-Disk Laser

The thin-disk laser is a special type of high-power diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser. Ytterbium-doped YAG (Yb:YAG) is often used as the active laser medium, lasing at 1030 nm, with a broad, 18 nm wide absorption band at 940 nm. It is one of the most useful media for high-power diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers. The Yb dopant levels may range between 0.2-30% of replaced yttrium atoms. Yb:YAG has high mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity. Yb:YAG can be pumped by reliable InGaAs laser diodes at 940 nm.  Figure 1 shows a thin-disk being pumped and the laser beam exiting the module.

Figure 1. Typical Thin-Disk Module

The diode-pump laser gain medium, Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), is a semiconductor composed of indium, gallium, and arsenic lasing at 940 nm.  Figure 2 shows a typical laser diode array.

Figure 2. Laser Diode Array

At Applied Energetics, for diode pumping our thin-disk lasers, we've been using nLight Inc. or Laserline Co. laser diode arrays.

For more information go to  www.appliedenergetics.com