Optimizing the composite slab sizes in corner-pumped lasers

Using the method of images, a simplified and visualized analytic model to aid in optimizing the geometrical parameters of the corner-pumped composite slab to improve the absorption efficiency is presented. According to the analysis results, the ray trace models are built and simulations are performed. Based on the analytical model and simulation results, the sizes of the composite slabs are optimized to boost the absorption efficiency and pump uniformity. A corner-pumped composite YAG/Yb:YAG slab laser that produced 1016 W continuous wave output power from a single composite crystal, with a slope efficiency and optical-to-optical efficiency of 43% and 34.4%, respectively, was designed. This analysis method may be applied to other obliquely pumped schemes in which the pump direction does not parallel the axis of the resonator.