Abstract

In order to conveniently and precisely estimate the spot size of laser modes in continuously single-end-pumped solid-state lasers, a ray matrix for the thermal-induced lenslike medium with exponential heat distribution along the axial direction is, for the first time to our best knowledge, derived under assumptions of only radial heat flow and uniform pump spot size. An equivalent optical model is also developed and especially modified for a lenslike gain medium in a continuously single-end-pumped solid-state laser. The result is verified by discussing how it fits the practical cases much better than the previous simplified model and by numerical simulation in a practice problem. This work is especially important in cases with a relatively long gain medium, which has been used more and more frequently in recent years.

© 2011 Optical Society of America

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