title: Encapsulated rod for efficient thermal management in diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG lasers.
abstract: Theoretical calculations of energy deposition, temperature, and thermally induced birefringence are presented for a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser that has the laser rod optically fixed into a right-rectangular prism with a square cross section. The design provides uniform cooling of the rod and allows for a number of conduction-cooling techniques to be used. Average output powers >5 W are feasible at optical-to-optical efficiencies of ~20% for long-pulse operation and ~10% for Q-switched operation for quite simple and convenient cooling arrangements (e.g., Peltier cooling).
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Piper