title: Use of a genetic algorithm technique in solid-state laser pump cavity development.
abstract: We apply a genetic algorithm to optimize the pump cavity of a complex miniaturized diode-pumped laser to find a balance between the efficient energy transfer of the pump light and the homogeneous illumination of the laser crystal. These two points are in contradiction to each other, whereby a complex optimization situation is given. The genome determines the geometry of the internal optical elements of the pump cavity in which a laser rod is placed. After optimization of the internal optical elements, a homogeneous illumination over the crystal length and a coupling efficiency of 59% were achieved. The results showed that genetic algorithms can find solutions and blueprints for laser pump cavities of consistent quality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservatory Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Franzen
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Apel
authors.forename: Friedrich
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lampert
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meister