Side-pumped efficient Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser in a multi-pass scheme

We studied possible techniques for increasing the power-to-power conversion efficiency of the Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser using a simulation model developed with the Monte-Carlo photon tracing method framework. It is suggested that the multi-passage of photons through a medium can enhance the absorption probability. The effectiveness of the multi-pass scheme is experimentally investigated. The application of the multi-pass pumping scheme for Ce:Nd:YAG solar lasers is demonstrated. It is shown that the pumping efficiency in the Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser with the multi-pass pumping cavity is increased by 20%, paving the way for higher power-to power conversion efficiency. (C) 2022 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)