title: Linearly polarized single-mode Nd:YAG oscillators using [100]- and [110]-cut crystals.
abstract: The output power and efficiency of linearly polarized high power Nd:YAG lasers is limited by depolarization and bifocusing. Both effects degrade the beam quality and decrease the output power. In a single pass configuration, [100]- and [110]-cut crystals can be used to reduce the depolarization. Here, we compare [100]-, [110]- and [111]-cut crystals in an oscillator configuration. As expected it was possible to reduce the depolarization loss by using [100]-cut crystals in our configuration, while the depolarization loss was higher for [110]-cut crystals. The thermal lens establishing in these crystals is not circular, which can degrade beam quality in high power operation.
authors: Laser Zentrum Hannover eV, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Henrik
authors: H
authors: Tünnermann
authors: Oliver
authors: O
authors: Puncken
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Wessels
authors: Maik
authors: M
authors: Frede
authors: Jörg
authors: J
authors: Neumann
authors: Dietmar
authors: D
authors: Kracht
mesh_terms: D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D007909:Lenses; D016014:Linear Models; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation*