Antiphase dynamics in solid state lasers with Fabry-Perot cavity / by Laurentiu Stamatescu.

Abstract

This thesis describes the construction of a low-power end pumped Nd:YAG laser and the subsequent theoretical and experimental investigation of the antiphase dynamics exhibited by the laser. The end pumped laser was modelled by extending the classical model of Tang Statz deMars to non-uniform pump along the active medium. The anomalous threshold behaviour of the laser, where modes with lower gain can supass modes with higher gain as the pump power increases, was accounted for. The antiphase dynamics were explored by modulating the pump power and measuring the transfer functions from this input to various outputs. The laser's response to various sources of noise was also studied.