Solar Pumped Laser

Abstract

<p>The design, engineering, and implementation of a solar pumped Nd:YAG laser system is described here within. This Nd:YAG laser is unique in that the laser crystal is pumped using solar energy directly culminated by a system of Fresnel lenses, and is mounted in a custom {hybrid pumping' laser cavity. Such a cavity will allow for maximum efficiency by pumping the laser crystal from the end, as well as from the sides. This method differs from current research into solar pumped lasers not only due to this unconventional pumping method, but also because of the pumping source itself. Rather than using electricity generated by solar cells to power a diode laser, this system directly converts sunlight into laser light. Lasers are not commonly referred to as efficient devices, often achieving only 0.1%, to a maximum of only 30% efficiency; and ultimately draw their power from electricity generated by standard means. By using a clean energy source, such as solar power, to energize the laser, the operating costs are negligible. On average, 1000 watts of solar energy are reaching every square meter of the earth's surface during peak daylight hours. This makes it possible to produce a high power laser beam, despite the inherent inefficiencies. Dr. Takashi Yabe, of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, has recently built one of the most efficient solar pumped lasers known which utilizes this method. This was reported to have produced an output of 80 watts with a net conversion efficiency of 4.3 percent. The members of this project team have referenced Yabe's research as a guideline; however, we do not intend to duplicate his system. By scaling down the system the laser can be demonstrated and may advance the possibility of utilizing these lasers in a number of clean energy generation schemes or satellite laser technology.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>