Laser and thermophysical properties of Nd-doped phosphate glasses

Joseph S. Hayden; M. K. Aston; Stephen A. Payne; Melanie L. Elder; Jack H. Campbell

doi:10.1117/12.138924

11 January 1993 Laser and thermophysical properties of Nd-doped phosphate glasses

Joseph S. Hayden, M. K. Aston, Stephen A. Payne, Melanie L. Elder, Jack H. Campbell

Proceedings Volume 1761, Damage to Space Optics, and Properties and Characteristics of Optical Glass; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138924
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The range of optical and thermal properties offered by Nd-doped phosphate glasses allows these materials to service a variety of laser applications. For example, the high extraction efficiency, low non-linear index and superb optical quality render Nd:phosphate glasses suitable for large-scale fusion laser technology. In this case laser efficiency as well as cost and glass yield issues are critical. As a consequence of the very low repetition rate (< 1/hour), however, issues surrounding thermal fracture during laser operation are not important. On the other hand, high and moderate-average power laser systems require that the active element performs well under substantial heat loading. Here, the most important issues involve the thermal properties of the medium, and design considerations suggest that it is worthwhile to have somewhat lower extraction efficiency if the material can be engineered to endure significantly more heat loading without thermal fracture. It has been observed that the Nd:phosphate composition space spans thermal figure-of-merit and emission cross section values exceeding a factor of two. It turns out, unfortunately, that improved thermal properties tend to be roughly correlated with inferior laser attributes. In addition to the laser and thermal properties many other property issues need to be addressed including devitrification, durability, and platinum solubility. The manner in which the glass constituents affect glass properties and the nature of the trade-offs that are encountered in engineering practical media are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph S. Hayden, M. K. Aston, Stephen A. Payne, Melanie L. Elder, and Jack H. Campbell "Laser and thermophysical properties of Nd-doped phosphate glasses", Proc. SPIE 1761, Damage to Space Optics, and Properties and Characteristics of Optical Glass, (11 January 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138924

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