Dynamic multimode analysis of Q-switched solid state laser cavities.

We derive a new model and simulation technique called "Dynamic Multimode Analysis (DMA)" to simulate the 3-dimensional dynamic behavior of a laser. A Gaussian mode analysis is used to obtain resonator eigenmodes taking into account thermal aberrations. These modes are coupled by a set of rate equations to describe the dynamic behavior of the individual modes for cw and Q-switched lasers. Our approach analyzes mode competition and provides a detailed description of the laser beam in terms of output power, beam quality factor M(2), and pulse shape. Comparison of experimental data with our simulation results provides new insight into the effect of mode competition and the operation of Q-switched lasers.