Iterative 3D Modeling of Pulse Generation in End-Pumped Ho3+:YAG Laser Resonators Utilizing Active Q-switching

High power solid-state lasers operating at around 2.1 μ m are used for a variety of applications, ranging from medical treatments and countermeasures to the pumping of mid-infrared optical parametric oscillators. Especially for the latter application, end-pumped crystal lasers in Q-switched operation have shown great potential because of the high pulse peak powers achievable with these systems [1]. Ho 3+ :YAG is very suitable as a pump source for nonlinear materials like zinc germanium phosphide (ZGP), due to lower parasitic absorption at wavelengths greater than 2 μm. A simulation model can greatly assist with the development, optimization, and understanding of such laser resonators. The model we present in this work focuses on the simulation of laser pulse generation by active Q-switching and builds upon a continuous-wave (cw) model we previously presented in [2].