Laser Modeling

Laser Modeling

by Mark Steven Csele
Released December 2017
Publisher(s): CRC Press
ISBN: 9781351831765

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Book description

Offering a fresh take on laser engineering, Laser Modeling: A Numerical Approach with Algebra and Calculus presents algebraic models and traditional calculus-based methods in tandem to make concepts easier to digest and apply in the real world. Each technique is introduced alongside a practical, solved example based on a commercial laser. Assuming some knowledge of the nature of light, emission of radiation, and basic atomic physics, the text:

  • Explains how to formulate an accurate gain threshold equation as well as determine small-signal gain
  • Discusses gain saturation and introduces a novel pass-by-pass model for rapid implementation of "what if?" scenarios
  • Outlines the calculus-based Rigrod approach in a simplified manner to aid in comprehension
  • Considers thermal effects on solid-state lasers and other lasers with new and efficient quasi-three-level materials
  • Demonstrates how the convolution method is used to predict the effect of temperature drift on a DPSS system
  • Describes the technique and technology of Q-switching and provides a simple model for predicting output power
  • Addresses non-linear optics and supplies a simple model for calculating optimal crystal length
  • Examines common laser systems, answering basic design questions and summarizing parameters
  • Includes downloadable Microsoft® Excel™ spreadsheets, allowing models to be customized for specific lasers

Don’t let the mathematical rigor of solutions get in the way of understanding the concepts. Laser Modeling: A Numerical Approach with Algebra and Calculus covers laser theory in an accessible way that can be applied immediately, and numerically, to real laser systems.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
    1. 1 Basic Laser Processes
      1. 1.1 The Laser and Laser Light
      2. 1.2 Atomic Processes of the Laser
      3. 1.3 Three- and Four-Level Systems
      4. 1.4 Rate Equations
      5. 1.5 Level Lifetime
      6. 1.6 Laser Gain
      7. 1.7 Losses in a Laser
      8. 1.8 Cavity Optics
      9. 1.9 Optical Characteristics (Longitudinal and Transverse Modes)
  5. 2 Threshold Gain
    1. 2.1 Gain and Loss: Achieving Lasing
    2. 2.2 The Gain Threshold Equation
    3. 2.3 The Tale of Two Gains: g0 AND gth
    4. 2.4 Application of gth: Determining g0
    5. 2.5 An Atomic View of Gain: Cross-Section
    6. 2.6 Applications of the Gain Threshold Equation: Designing Laser Optics
    7. 2.7 A Theoretical Prediction of Pumping Threshold
  6. 3 Gain Saturation
    1. 3.1 Gain is Not Constant
    2. 3.2 A Third Gain Figure: Saturated Gain
    3. 3.3 Saturation Intensity
    4. 3.4 Saturated Gain and Intra-Cavity Power
    5. 3.5 Slope Efficiency
    6. 3.6 Predicting Output Power
    7. 3.7 Minimum Pump Power Revisited
    8. 3.8 Alternative Notations
    9. 3.9 A Model for Power Development in a Laser
    10. 3.10 Improving the Model for Use with High-Gain Lasers
    11. 3.11 Determining Cavity Decay Parameters
  7. 4 Analytical Solutions
    1. 4.1 The Rigrod Approach
    2. 4.2 Ring Lasers
    3. 4.3 Optimal Output Coupling
  8. 5 Thermal Issues
    1. 5.1 Thermal Populations and Re-Absorption Loss
    2. 5.2 Quasi-Three-Level Systems
    3. 5.3 Quantum Defect Heating
    4. 5.4 Thermal Populations at Threshold
    5. 5.5 Thermal Populations in an Operating Laser
    6. 5.6 Thermal Effects on Laser Diodes (Wavelength)
    7. 5.7 Modeling the Effects of Temperature on Laser Diodes (Wavelength)
    8. 5.8 Thermal Effects on Laser Diodes (Power and Threshold)
    9. 5.9 Low Power Dpss Design
    10. 5.10 Scaling Dpss Lasers to High Powers
  9. 6 Generating Massive Inversions through Q-Switching
    1. 6.1 Inversion Buildup
    2. 6.2 Q-Switch Loss
    3. 6.3 AOM Switches
    4. 6.4 EOM Switches
    5. 6.5 Passive Q-Switches
    6. 6.6 A Model for Pulse Power
    7. 6.7 Multiple Pulse Output
    8. 6.8 Modeling Flashlamp-Pumped Lasers
    9. 6.9 Repetitively Pulsed Q-Switched Lasers
    10. 6.10 Giant First Pulse
    11. 6.11 Ultra-Fast Pulses: Modelocking
  10. 7 Non-Linear Optics
    1. 7.1 Origins of Non-Linear Effects
    2. 7.2 Phase Matching
    3. 7.3 Non-Linear Materials
    4. 7.4 Practical Conversion Efficiency
    5. 7.5 Applications to Laser Design
    6. 7.6 Application to DPSS Design
      1. 7.6.1 The Simple Approach
      2. 7.6.2 The Rigrod Approach
  11. 8 Common Lasers and Parameters
    1. 8.1 CW Gas Lasers
      1. 8.1.1 The Helium-Neon (HeNe) Gas Laser
      2. 8.1.2 Ion Gas Lasers
      3. 8.1.3 The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Gas Laser
    2. 8.2 Pulsed Gas Lasers
      1. 8.2.1 TEA CO2 Lasers
      2. 8.2.2 Excimer Gas Lasers
    3. 8.3 Semiconductor (Diode) Lasers
    4. 8.4 Solid-State Lasers
      1. 8.4.1 The Ruby Laser
      2. 8.4.2 Side-Pumped Nd:YAG Lasers
      3. 8.4.3 End-Pumped Nd:YAG Lasers
      4. 8.4.4 Other YAG Lasers
      5. 8.4.5 Other Solid-State Lasers
  12. Index

Product information

  • Title: Laser Modeling
  • Author(s): Mark Steven Csele
  • Release date: December 2017
  • Publisher(s): CRC Press
  • ISBN: 9781351831765