Coupled finite element analysis of composite laser rods thermal characteristics under longitudinal diode pumping

Abstract

A multiphysics approach and finite-element method are used to simulate numerically thermal lensing in YAG rods doped with Nd or Yb ions. Thermo-mechanical behavior is considered by applying the ANSYS software, while a particular pre-processor for generation of the heat source as well as post-processor for evaluation of the optical path difference (OPD) are developed. The difference between standard crystal blocks and composite structures with undoped end caps is investigated.