EP0384738A1 — High efficiency mode-matched solid state laser with transverse pumping

USPTO Abstract

A high efficiency pumping scheme mode matches the TEMOO laser mode volume with a plurality of spaced apart laser diode pumping sources (26) positioned along a lateral side of a block of laser material (12). The cavity resonator within the block is configured in a tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources (26) is collimated by an optical fiber (28) and is optically coupled to the verticies of the zig-zig. The fold angle less than 20° and preferably less than 10° and is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume. Parasitic oscillation across the laser block are prevented. In an alternate embodiment the pumping sources are separated from the block of laser material and are optically coupled to the block by the use of a lens. In a second alternate embodiment, the pumping sources are separated from the block of laser material and are optically coupled to the block by means of a plurality of optical fibers.