Thermal analysis and laser performance modelling of a dual-end-pumped c-cut CW Tm: YAP laser

The temperature distribution and thermal focal length in c-cut Tm: YAP composite and non-composite laser rods with a dual-end-pumped structure are analysed. The peak temperature rise in the composite rod is found to decrease to nearly 80% of that in a non-bonded Tm: YAP rod. The thermal-lens is reduced due to negligible distortion of the flatness of the rod surface in the composite rod. A rate equation model is used to simulate the laser performance with the dual-end-pumped structure including temperature distribution in the gain medium. The modelling results are found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimentally acquired data.