Emission cross section and laser performance

In summary, the emission cross section of an emitting atom plays a crucial role in determining the slope efficiency and laser threshold in laser performance.
  • #1
Alianos
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How does the emission cross section of an emitting atom (such as Yb atoms in glass) affect the laser performance, namely the slope efficiency (signal power vs absorbed pump power) and laser threshold? Thanks a lot
 
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  • #2
!The emission cross section of an emitting atom has a significant impact on the laser performance. The higher the emission cross section, the more efficiently the atom can convert absorbed pump power into signal power, resulting in a higher slope efficiency. Additionally, the higher the emission cross section, the lower the laser threshold. This is because a higher cross section results in more photons being emitted, which helps to reduce the population inversion that is necessary for lasing to occur.
 

1. What is emission cross section?

Emission cross section is a measure of the efficiency of a material to emit light, specifically in the context of laser performance. It is typically measured in units of square meters and represents the probability of a photon being emitted from a single excited atom or molecule.

2. How does emission cross section affect laser performance?

Emission cross section is a crucial factor in determining the output power and efficiency of a laser. A higher emission cross section means a greater number of photons can be emitted, leading to a stronger laser beam. It also affects the threshold of the laser, which is the minimum amount of energy required to start lasing.

3. What factors influence the emission cross section of a material?

The emission cross section of a material is influenced by several factors, including the electronic structure of the material, the type of transitions involved in light emission (such as electronic or vibrational), and the concentration of dopants or impurities in the material.

4. How is emission cross section measured?

Emission cross section can be measured using various techniques, including absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. These methods involve exciting the material with a specific wavelength of light and measuring the resulting emission intensity to calculate the cross section.

5. Can the emission cross section of a material be changed?

Yes, the emission cross section of a material can be changed through various methods, such as doping, changing the temperature or pressure, or using different laser wavelengths. These changes can be utilized to optimize the laser performance for specific applications.

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