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Cryogenically Cooled Yb:YAG Ceramic Amplifier Module for High Power Lasers
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- Author / Creator
- Masud, Muhammad R
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A new class of direct diode pumped ceramic disk lasers are emerging as attractive candidates for efficient high power amplifiers in industrial and scientific applications. This thesis discusses the development and characterization of a high gain laser module based on Yb:YAG ceramic laser media which can be scaled to high power and high energy output for such applications. Measurements of gain and extracted energy have been carried out at room temperature as well as at cryogenic temperature. The results are then compared to rate equation modeling of the pulse amplification as a function of temperature and input pulse fluence. Temperature dependent cross-section values and the variation of lower level population according to Boltzmann distribution were considered in our calculations. The literature values of the cross-section and carrier lifetime that gave the best match with the experimental data are summarized in this work. The limitations in operating condition due to transverse/parasitic lasing were also explored and possible solutions were discussed. Based on the measurements and the simulations, a terawatt pulse system configuration is proposed.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Spring 2015
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.