High Power Laser Science and Engineering, Volume. , Issue , ()
Compact Laser Amplifier with High Gain Based on Nd3+ Doped SrF2 Crystal [Early Posting]
High gain greater than 106 is crucial for the preamplifiers of joule-class high energy lasers. In this work, we present a specially designed compact amplifier using 0.5%Nd,5%Gd:SrF2 and 0.5%Nd,5%Y:SrF2 crystals. The irregular crystal shape enhances the gain length of the laser beam and helps suppress parasitic oscillations. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) induced by the high gain is analyzed through ray tracing. The balance between gain and ASE is estimated via numerical simulation. The gain spectral characteristics of the two-stage two-pass amplifier are examined, demonstrating the advantages of using different crystals, with bandwidths up to 8 nm and gains over 106. Additionally, the temperature and stress distributions in the Nd,Gd:SrF2 crystal are simulated. This work is expected to contribute to the development of high peak power (≥ Terawatt-class) high energy (Joule-class) laser devices.