Diffraction Propagation of a Light Pulse Through a High-power Laser System

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Abstract
A computational model is developed for the propagation of a light pulse through a high-power glass laser system. The wave equation is solved numerically, in the paraxial approximation on a variable mesh, the equation being modified to take into account the non-linear behaviour of the laser material. Diffraction, non-linear refraction, large-scale phase distortion, small-scale filamentation and thermo-optic effects are taken into account. Allowances for non-uniform pumping and saturation effects within the laser rod or disc amplifiers are made which render the model physically realistic. An assessment of laser performance in short pulse mode is discussed, together with suggestions for improving performance.