Numerical study of the influence of pumping beam parameters on VECSEL performance

Abstract

In the paper we present results of our simulations of the influence of pumping beam parameters on power transfer characteristics of an optically pumped vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL). Calculations have been done with the aid of the comprehensive, fully self-consistent numerical model developed by our group. The research has focused mainly on an influence of the pumping beam size and shape on thermal and optical properties as well as power scaling of the modelled laser. Various beam profiles, such as: Gaussian, super-Gaussian and top-hat, have been investigated. An analysis of the optimal width of the emitted beam within the structure volume for pumping beams of different shapes has been also carried out.