Optimizing the Yb:YAG thin disc laser design parameters

Based on quasi-three-level system, a numerical model of continuous wave thin disc laser is proposed. The fluorescence concentration quenching (FCQ), refractive index depending concentration effects and temperature distribution in the gain medium have been taken into account in the model. The first and second phenomena are not included in previously models. The model is used to determine optimum design parameters and to calculate the influence of various parameters like temperature, number of pump beam passes, active ions concentration and the crystal thickness on the operational efficiency of the laser. This model shows that for higher doping concentrations (>15%) the optical efficiency is decreased due to fluorescence concentration quenching. Our results are excellently in agreement with experimental results.