Optimization algorithm for the pump structure of diode side-pumped solid-state lasers

The pump structure greatly influences the characteristics of a diode side-pumped solid-state laser (DSPSSL). To achieve high absorption efficiency and a homogeneous pump-beam distribution simultaneously, a systemic algorithm has been established to optimize the pump structure, where multiple reflections occur on the internal wall of the reflector inside the pump chamber. The absorption efficiency and the deviation of the absorption distribution are both evaluated for a typical solid-state laser medium. A scheme for identifying an ideal pump configuration was finally obtained from several determination procedures, in which all pump structure parameters were taken into account. The experimental results demonstrate that the approach described in this paper is effective for the design of DSPSSL systems with both high output power and good beam quality.