Solar pumped Nd:YAG lasers using a ceramic cavity as the secondary concentrator

A compact solar light directly pumped Nd:YAG laser was presented. A 1.4×1.05 m2 Fresnel lens was used as the primary solar light concentrator. The secondary concentrator was a conical ceramic cavity with a highly diffusing reflection interior. The solar energy had a more homogenous distribution in the ceramic cavity compared with a copper cavity coated with gold which was used in previous experiments. Maximum lasing power of 14 W at 1 064 nm was obtained when the input solar power was 864 W. Measures to improve the overall efficiency were discussed. © Right.