Numerical modulation of the dynamics of inversion dumping and of amplification of nanosecond pulses in neodymium glass

A numerical simulation is reported of the dynamics of inversion dumping and amplification of nanosecond pulses in a neodymium glass laser. An allowance is made for inhomogeneous broadening of the luminescence line of the glass, for the Stark splitting of the levels of the ⁴F_3/2–⁴I_11/2 lasing transition, and for nonradiative relaxation of the Nd³⁺ ions between the Stark components. A comparison is made of the calculated and experimental dependences of the saturation energy, gain, and stimulated transition cross section on the energy, duration, and frequency of the amplified signals. The characteristic features of inversion dumping and amplification of radiation with narrow and wide spectra are considered. The problems of optimization of the emission spectrum for the purpose of increasing utilization of the population inversion in neodymium glasses are discussed.