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A novel PC software package can be used to instantaneously model the complex thermal lensing processes in laser resonators.
This software can simulate all the interactions between thermal and optical parameters to show modal patterns, cavity stability and provide the laser engineer with real-time tools saving months of laboratory development time especially with diode-pumped solid-state laser design.
Lascad offers: thermal and structural finite element analysis; ABCD Gaussian beam propagation code; wave optics beam propagation code; numerical Eigenmode analysis; and beam propagation outside the cavity.
Optical elements such as mirrors, lenses and crystals can be added, combined or removed with a mouse click.
Finite element analysis is used to solve partial differential equations used to compute the temperature distribution, deformation and stress in laser crystals and materials affected by pumping geometries and cooling techniques.
This powerful tool can model both end pumped and side pumped rods, disks, slabs and thin disk lasers.
Users have reported very close simulation to actual results and can design laser cavities or optimise existing designs in minutes rather than weeks or months in the laboratory.
Lascad will quickly show beam quality and propagation as the user makes small adjustments on screen.
This powerful program can save serious time and labour in optimising laser resonator design.
Pro-Lite can supply a free of charge evaluation copy of the Lascad software to interested laser manufacturers and designers.
The price is determined by the modules required within the software, and can significantly save manufacturers considerable engineering expense and time.
 

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