title: The spherical reflector for use in the optical pumping of lasers.
abstract: The coupling of optical energy from a lamp into a laser rod using a spherical mirror enclosure has been analyzed using geometrical optics. The calculations indicate that about 75% coupling can be obtained for typical sized laser rods and spheres. Experimental results for a 3 mm x 30 mm Nd: Cr: YAG rod are given. Using external resonators, a slope efficiency of 1.15% and an output power of 3.4 W were observed for an input power of 870 W.
authors.affiliation: Westinghouse Research Laboratories,Churchill Boro, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235, USA.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Church
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Liberman