Solar-pumped dual-rod Ce:Nd:YAG laser with 58 W continuous-wave output power and 5.1° tracking error compensation width.

ABSTRACT

The pursuit of high-power solar laser systems with high efficiency and capacity for large tracking error compensation is determinant for the applicability of this renewable technology. A side-pumped dual-rod CeNdYAG solar laser was developed and tested at the focus of a 2 m diameter parabolic concentrator. Maximum continuous-wave total solar laser power of 58 W was measured. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest laser power from a CeNdYAG solar laser. Moreover, wide tracking error compensation width of 5.1° in the azimuthal direction was reached, being 4.25 times higher than the previous measurement without solar tracking assistance.