Abstract

А 3D CFD model coupled with wave optics model for laser beam propagation is used to calculate the performance of a hydrocarbon-free K end pumped flowing-gas diode pumped alkali amplifier (DPAA). The K DPAA efficiency and output beam quality were calculated as a function of various parameters and the results were compared with those calculated for end pumped Rb DPAA with hydrocarbon-free buffer gas. For moderate pump intensity, both the efficiency and beam quality deteriorate at low gas velocity. The efficiency strongly depends on the pressure of the buffer helium, reaching a maximum at pressure close to atmospheric and falling with a further increase in pressure. The maximum efficiency of the K DPAA (∼0.45) is approximately 4 times higher than that of the Rb one, achieved at the same optimal pump power of 5 kW. Addition of CH4 to the He buffer in the K DPAA decreases the amplifier efficiency and reduces the beam quality.

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