Efficient depolarization-loss-compensation of solid state lasers using only a Glan-Taylor polarizer

A novel scheme for reducing the depolarization loss resulting from thermally induced stress birefringence of a free running flash-lamp pumped single Nd: YAG rod is reported here and measured under resonator configuration with the use of a Glan-Taylor polarizer only. The depolarization loss has been systematically investigated and compared with the quarter wave-plate scheme. The Glan-Taylor polarizer is given two rotations with respect to two perpendicular axes for obtaining Brewster's effect as well as phase retardation inside a stable resonator. This single optical element optimally reduces depolarization loss to ∼18% and performs better than quarter wave-plate in combination with a polarizer. Using Jones-vector formulation, we analyzed the effect of tilting of Glan-Taylor polarizer and accounted the measured data of depolarization loss.

► A single Glan-Taylor polarizer is used for efficient selection of polarization as well as compensation of depolarization loss in a Nd: YAG laser cavity configuration. ► Glan-Taylor polarizer is given two rotations with respect to two perpendicular axes for obtaining Brewster's effect as well as phase retardation to reduce deloparization loss to 18%. ► Jones matrix calculation is done for the problem to account the experimental result. ► Scheme is compared with other established methods.