Modeling and optimization of Q-switched double-clad fiber lasers

The numerical modeling of actively Q-switched fiber lasers is systematically presented. On the basis of typical Q-switched ytterbium-doped double-clad fiber lasers under forward and backward pump, the dynamic characteristics of pulse energy, pulse width, population inversion, and stored energy at tens-of-kilohertz repetition rates are studied by using the traveling-wave method. The laser performance is further investigated for different fiber core diameters, doping rates, cavity lengths, fiber losses, signal and pump wavelengths, reflectivities of output coupler, and switching speed of an acousto-optic modulator; the laser optimization is also quantitatively discussed. Some simulation results are also compared with previous experimental results. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.