Cooling Geometry Dependent Operation Properties in a Diode End-Pumped Monolithic Yb:YAG Laser

Operation properties, such as output power, beam radius, and crystal temperature rise were investigated in a diode-pumped edge-cooled monolithic Yb:YAG laser with ~ 4 W pumping level. The output power showed saturation behavior because of severe temperature rise and poor spatial overlapping between pump beam and lasing mode. Face cooling geometry by using a sapphire plate was also investigated. No apparent saturation behavior in output power was observed due to the reduced temperature rise, which could be attributed to efficient heat removal through the crystal-sapphire interface.