Publication
An approach combining microstructural and optical modeling based on atomistic simulation results is proposed, in order to assess the performance of Nd:YAG laser ceramics resulting rom luminescence and transparency changes as a function of grain size and dopant concentration. It is found that while small grain sizes enhance transparency, luminescence is reduced, resulting in a trade-off to achieve optimum laser performance. These effects are linked to ceramic production by considering different sintering routes. This improved insight into the micro-structural effects of Nd:YAG ceramics on laser performance will allow a more targeted experimental optimization of this new class of laser materials.
Christian Enz, Yves Bellouard, Assim Boukhayma, Andrea Kraxner, Olivier Bernard
Christophe Moser, Paul Delrot, Jorge Andres Madrid Wolff, Damien Claude-Marie Loterie, Georgia Konstantinou