Optimization of laser amplifiers with spatial filtering. II. Selection of the optimal length of active elements and operating conditions

A calculation is made of the lengths of active media and operating conditions optimal from the point of view of achieving maximum efficiency and still avoiding damage to glass because of self-focusing in the emission of pulses of 0.2–0.8 nsec duration. It is estimated that the brightness which can be attained in neodymium-glass lasers is 10¹⁸–10¹⁹ W/cm²·sr.