Comparative study of various types of laser active media for solar pumping in multi-rod configurations

The Nd:YAG, Ce:Nd:YAG, and Cr:Nd:YAG active media in multi rod configuration are investigated for solar-pumped lasers using simulation methods. A statistical model employing Monte Carlo photon tracing simulates a laser system with multiple rods for combined end-side solar radiation pumping. The model enables one to evaluate efficiency, pump distribution, and output parameters of solar lasers. Simulation analyses is conducted on a three-rod setup using the aforementioned active media. Comparative results demonstrate that Cr:Nd:YAG achieves the highest efficiency, reaching an overall conversion efficiency of 5% at 500 W pump power, which is twice that of Nd:YAG lasers under similar conditions.