Biography
Biography: Konrad Altmann
Abstract
Th e computer program LASCAD provides a unique combination of simulation tools to optimize LASer Cavity Analysis and Design. Especially the following tools are available:
• Th ermal and Structural Finite Element Analysis of thermal eff ects in laser crystals
• ABCD Gaussian Beam Propagation Code taking into account thermal lensing, gain guiding, etc.
• Dynamic Analysis of Multimode and Q-switched operation analyzing the dynamic 3D behaviour of laser beams
• 3D Physical Optics Beam Propagation Code including diff raction, gain dynamics, etc.
An easy to use graphical users interface allows the combined use of these complex engineering tools. In this way, LASCAD helps the laser engineer to overcome the many interacting technical and physical problems he is confronted with when he develops a laser. Especially thermal lensing is of growing importance, due to the tendency to miniaturize laser systems, while
simultaneously increasing power output. Th e eff ect strongly depends on system characteristics, such as material parameters, resonator geometry, pump beam distribution and cooling layout. It interferes with gain dynamics, mode competition, Q-switching and other eff ects, which control beam quality and laser effi ciency in a complicated manner. Based on a numerical simulation of these eff ects, LASCAD™ provides the laser engineer with a quantitative understanding of the characteristics of a resonator design. Th e GUI of LASCAD, as shown in the fi gure, can be used as an optical workbench on the PC, allowing the intuitive design of laser resonators. In this way LASCAD™ helps users to process experimental results without wasting valuable time studying complicated manuals:
• Optical elements, such as mirrors, lenses or crystals can be added, combined, adjusted or removed by mouse clicks
• Astigmatism in the resonator and crystal is automatically taken into account
• Th e program menu makes available thermal fi nite element analysis, Gaussian ABCD matrix code, physical optics code, analysis of the Q-switched operation, computation of laser stability and power output.