High-power pulse-periodic neodymium glass laser with a plate-shaped active element

A laser with a high-concentration KNFS phosphate-glass active element (in the form of a plate of 9 X 15 X 0.42 cm dimensions) was constructed. An average output power of 180 W was achieved at pulse repetition frequencies 5 and 10 Hz. A model description of the absorption of pump radiation in an illumination enclosure, allowing for the actual emission spectra of the pump lamps and the absorption spectrum of the active element, was developed. This model was used in an analysis of the influence of the parameters of the illumination enclosure, of the plate thickness, and of the activator concentration in the glass on the maximum attainable output power.