In the present work, we numerically and experimentally compare the thermally-induced wavefront aberrations and birefringence of two bonded samples. These samples are made of Nd- doped laser glass and quartz crystals using two distinct bonding methods.

We present a numerical study of a square-shape rod-like bonded laser gain medium operating at 1053 nm. The sample is composed of a 5-mm thick Nd-doped phosphate glass bonded to two α-quartz crystals. Owing to this face cooling scheme, the heat generated in the gain medium is effectively reduced, hence resulting in less optical distortions. The simulation of the thermomechanical effects was conducted using COMSOL MultiPhysics® software. Transverse wavefront distortion and birefringence profiles were computed for a given pump mean power. Wavefront and birefringence measurements will be conducted on the bonded sample using a pump-probe setup which is discussed in this paper. These measurements will be presented and weighed with the numerical results.

This present work outlines a parametric study of a diode side-pumped bonded laser rod. Both material combination and geometry of the samples are discussed using simulations and experiments to reduce the pump-induced thermal effects.

In this paper, we will discuss the performances of a 4-pass diode-pumped 4-active-mirrors laser amplifier. Numerical simulations along with experimental characterization paves the way to reach 1 J at 10 Hz pulse rate at 1053 nm. Both Nd :glass and Nd :Lu :CaF2 amplifier medium performances will be compared in this amplifier.