Simulation of active q-switched solid-state lasers using Pockels cell

Saha S, Pflaum C (2025)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2025

Publisher: SPIE

Series: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

City/Town: Bellingham, WA

Book Volume: 13341

Pages Range: 133410B

Conference Proceedings Title: Solid State Lasers XXXIV: Technology and Devices

Event location: San Francisco, CA US

ISBN: 9781510684300

DOI: 10.1117/12.3038581

Abstract

A comprehensive simulation method for assessing optical depolarization effects in actively Q-switched solid-state lasers using Pockels cells is presented. Active Q-switching in these systems is achieved by modulating the beam polarization using a Pockels cell (PC), which induces the necessary losses for Q-switching. Additional depolarization losses within the laser crystal, primarily due to thermal effects from intense pumping, further impact the system’s performance and quality. The simulation framework employs finite element analysis (FEA) to conduct thermal and stress calculations, addressing the three-dimensional nature of depolarization within the crystal. Following this, a 2-dimensional Jones matrix analysis is utilized to model the laser cavity, incorporating additional roundtrip losses arising from the crystal, polarizers, and/or retarders. The orientation of the crystal cut is also factored into the depolarization loss calculations to ensure accuracy. The numerical results provide insights into the behaviour of high-power active Q-switched lasers under various configurations. By evaluating different system setups, the critical factors influencing the performance and stability of these lasers are emphasized. This approach enables optimising laser designs, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in high-power applications. The detailed analysis and results underline the importance of considering thermal and stress-induced depolarization effects in the design and optimization of Q-switched solid-state lasers, ultimately contributing to improved laser performance and reliability.

Authors with CRIS profile

Souryadeep Saha Professur für Numerische Simulation und Hochleistungsrechnen Christoph Pflaum Professur für Numerische Simulation und Hochleistungsrechnen

How to cite

APA:

Saha, S., & Pflaum, C. (2025). Simulation of active q-switched solid-state lasers using Pockels cell. In W. Andrew Clarkson, Ramesh K. Shori (Eds.), Solid State Lasers XXXIV: Technology and Devices (pp. 133410B). San Francisco, CA, US: Bellingham, WA: SPIE.

MLA:

Saha, Souryadeep, and Christoph Pflaum. "Simulation of active q-switched solid-state lasers using Pockels cell." Proceedings of the Solid State Lasers XXXIV: Technology and Devices 2025, San Francisco, CA Ed. W. Andrew Clarkson, Ramesh K. Shori, Bellingham, WA: SPIE, 2025. 133410B.

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