Enhancement of Optical Conversion Efficiency in Solid-State Laser Systems through an Advanced Cavity Design by Using Borosilicate Glass
Yıl 2026,
Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 453 - 468, 15.03.2026
Recep Torun
,
Gülhan Ustabas Kaya
Öz
The optical conversion efficiency (OCE) of a laser refers to the effectiveness of a laser system in converting electrical energy into usable laser radiation. Among the key parameters affecting this efficiency is the design of the optical cavity. This study examines the enhancement of optical conversion efficiency in a flash-lamp-pumped GentlelasePlus Alexandrite solid-state laser system through modification of the optical cavity structure. The original fused silica (quartz) cavity frame was replaced with a borosilicate (BK7) glass frame while maintaining the existing three-hole resonator configuration. The primary objectives are to improve efficiency and extend the operational lifetime of the laser system. Laser operation is evaluated at driving voltages of 900 Vdc and 1070 Vdc, and the resulting output energies are measured to calculate optical conversion efficiency (η_OCE). For an input energy of 1 J, the measured efficiencies were 0.1203 % for BK7 and 0.1378 % for quartz. At an input energy of 10 J, η_OCE values of 0.9407 % and 0.8935 % were obtained for BK7 and quartz, respectively. The results indicate that BK7 glass provides a 0.047 % higher efficiency compared to quartz and contributes to a 13 % overall improvement in system performance. Due to its lower material cost, ease of fabrication, and favorable optical performance, BK7 glass is proposed as a practical and cost-effective alternative to fused silica for optical cavity frames in Alexandrite laser systems.
Etik Beyan
Ethics committee approval was not required for this study because of there was no study on animals or humans.
Teşekkür
The authors acknowledge that the language and readability of this manuscript were improved through grammatical revision using AI-generated (ChatGPT-GPT-4o) text assistance.
Kaynakça
-
Almabouada, F., Louhibi, D., Hamici, M., Hammoum, Y., & Haddouche, A. (2011). Power supply for xenon flash-lamp. SIPP 2011, 250–254.
-
Arieli, R. (2025). The laser adventure: Chapter 6.2.3. Weizmann Institute of Science. https://perg.phys.ksu.edu/vqm/laserweb/ch-6/F6s2t3p4.htm
-
Aslam, A., & Alster, T. S. (2014). Evolution of laser skin resurfacing: From scanning to fractional technology. Dermatologic Surgery, 40(11), 1163–1172. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.DSS.0000452648.22012.a0
-
Azadgoli, B., & Baker, R. Y. (2016). Laser applications in surgery. Annals of Translational Medicine, 4(23), 452. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2016.11.51
-
Bavi, E. P., Jouybari, S. N., & Mousavi, F. (2022). A rapid method for producing highly diffuse reflective white paint as the back surface reflector in dye-sensitized solar cell. Optical Materials, 131(1), 112647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2022.112647
-
Bernstein, E., & Adrian, R. (2006). Tattoo and nevus of ota removal with Q-switched ruby laser: Case reports. Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(6), 411–414. https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/Document/September-2017/019060411.pdf
-
Bohacek, P. (2022). Peaceful use of lasers in space? Potential, risks, and norms for using lasers in space. Space Policy, 61(1), 101489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2022.101489
-
Candela Corporation. (2010). GentleLase plus applications descriptions specifications Operator's Manual: (P/N 8501-00-1740, Revision A). Scanlan Group B.V. http://www.frankshospitalworkshop.com/equipment/documents/various_equipment/user_manuals/various/Candela%20GentleLase%20Dermatology%20Laser%20-%20User%20manual.pdf
-
Cheng, D. K. (2017). Mühendislik elektromanyetiğinin temelleri (2. Baskı). Palme Yayınevi.
-
Dharmadhikari, J. A., Dharmadhikari, A. K., Bhatnagar, A., Mallik, A., Singh, P. C., Dhaman, R. K., Chalapathi, K., & Mathur, D. (2011). Writing low-loss waveguides in borosilicate (BK7) glass with a low repetition-rate femtosecond laser. Optics Communications, 284(2), 630–634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2010.09.055
-
Eichler, H. J., Eppich, B., Fischer, J., Güther, R., Gurzadyan, G. G., Hermerschmidt, A., Laubereau, A., Lopota, V. A., Mehl, O., Vidal, C. R., Weber, H., & Wende, B. (2005). Laser physics and applications. Subvolume A: Laser Fundamentals, Part 1. Weber, H., Herziger, G., & Poprawe, R. (Eds.). Springer. https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/laser/laser-fundamentals-pt1-springer-2005.pdf
-
Einstein, A. (1967). On the quantum theory of radiation. Haar, D. T. (Ed.). The Old Quantum Theory: A volume in the Commonwealth and International Library: Selected Readings in Physics, Part 2, 18(121), 167–183. Pergamon. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-02033-6
-
Flórez, P. B., Maz, H. H. A., Domínguez, J. A., Tost, A. J. E., & Páez, J. O. (2023). Histologic evaluation of effect of three wavelengths of diode laser on human gingival margins. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 14(e61), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.61
-
Garrec, B. L. (2010). Laser-diode and flash lamp pumped solid-state lasers. AIP Conference Proceedings, 111–116. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3426039
-
Gusakova, N., Camper, A., Caravita, R., Penasa, L., Glöggler, L. T., Wolz, T., Krumins, V., Gustafsson, F. P., Huck, S., Volponi, M., Rienacker, B., Khatri, G., Malamant, J., Mariazzi, S., Brusa, R. S., Cabaret, L., Comparat, D., & Doser, M. (2025). An alexandrite laser system for positronium laser cooling. Optics & Laser Technology, 182(Part B), 112097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.112097
-
Han, J., Zhang, F., Van Meerbeek, B., Vleugels, J., Braem, A., & Castagne, S. (2021). Laser surface texturing of zirconia-based ceramics for dental applications: A review. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 123(1), 112034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2021.112034
-
Hecht, J. (2018). Understanding lasers: An entry-level guide (4. Baskı). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119310693
-
Jian, D., Hou, Z., Wang, C., Zhuo, M., Xiao, D., & Wu, X. (2021). Fabrication of fused silica microstructure based on the femtosecond laser. AIP Advances, 11(9), 095218. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0059443
-
Lawrence, J. (Ed.). (2018). Advances in laser materials processing: Technology, research and applications (2nd Edition). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2015-0-05718-5
-
Li, Z. Q, Wang, J. L., Wang, X. F., Allegre, O., Guo, W., Gao, W. Y., Xue, Y., & Li, L. (2020). Debris-free, zero taper cutting of BOROFLOAT 33 glass using a femtosecond Bessel laser beam. Lasers in Engineering, 46(1), 383–393. https://www.oldcitypublishing.com/journals/lie-home/lie-issue-contents/lie-volume-46-number-5-6-2020/lie-46-5-6-p-383-393/
-
Luke, A. M., Mathew, S., Altawash, M. M., & Madan, B. M. (2019). Lasers: A review with their applications in oral medicine. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 10(4), 324–329.
-
Mikhailov, M. M., Lapin, A. N., Yuryev, S. A., & Petrunina, N. V. (2021). On factors affecting the degradation of BaSO4 powders’ optical properties under the action of the solar spectrum quanta. Solid State Communications, 326(1), 114183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssc.2020.114183
-
Parker, S. (2007). Introduction, history of lasers and laser light production. British Dental Journal, 202(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2006.113
-
Poh, A. H., Jamaludin, M. F., Fadzallah, I. A., Ibrahim, N. M. J. N., Yusof, F., Adikan, F. R. M., & Moghavvemi, M. (2019). Diffuse reflectance spectroscopic analysis of barium sulfate as a reflection standard within 173-2500 nm: From pure to sintered form. Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy, 27(6), 393–401. https://doi.org/10.1177/0967033519868241
-
Polyanskiy, M. N. (2024). Refractive index info database of optical constants. Scientific Data, 11, 94. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02898-2
-
Purohit, G. (2020). Overview of lasers. Applied Innovative Research, 2(1), 193–203. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348574808_Overview_of_Lasers
-
Scheuer, S., Munk, A., Strotkamp, M., Haefner, C. L., Höffner, J., & Froh, J. (2024). Efficient intra-cavity frequency doubled, diode-pumped, Q switched alexandrite laser directly emitting in the UV. Optics Express, 32(5), 7553–7563. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.513731
-
Šulc, J., & Jelínková, H. (2013). 5- Solid-state lasers for medical applications. Helena Jelínková, (Ed.). In Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials, Lasers for Medical Applications, Woodhead Publishing, (pp. 127–176). https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857097545.2.127
-
Sun, X., Li, J., Hokansson, A., Whelan, D., & Clancy, M. (2009). Study of laser-induced damage to large core silica fiber by Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers. Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications IX, 7173OE. SPIE BiOS, 2009, San Jose, California, United States. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.807758
-
Svelto, O. (2010). Principles of lasers (5th Edition). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1302-9
-
Tawy, G., Minassian, A., & Damzen, M. J. (2023). Power-scaled CW Alexandrite lasers. Applied Physics B, 129(3), 47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-023-07989-x
-
Unland, S., Kalms, R., Wessels, P., Kracht, D., & Neumann, J. (2023). High performance cavity-dumped Q-switched Alexandrite laser CW diode pumped in double-pass configuration. Optics Express, 31(2), 1112–1124. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.478628
-
Watanabe, W., & Terai, S. (2020). Femtosecond laser integration of volume grating in BK7 glass refractive lens. Optical Engineering, 59(4), 046109. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.59.4.046109
-
Wu, J., Zhang, Y., Li, L. Q., Ren, Y., Lu, Q., Wang, L., & Chen, F. (2021). Raman spectra study on modifications of BK7 glass induced by 1030-nm and 515-nm femtosecond laser. Results in Physics, 21(1), 103814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2021.103814
-
Xiao, H., & Damzen, M. J. (2024). High-efficiency 5-watt wavelength-tunable UV output from an Alexandrite laser. Applied Physics B, 130(12), 209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-024-08349-z
-
Yang, Y., Schwarz, S., Esen, C., & Hellmann, R. (2023). Influence of MHz bursts on the ablation efficiency of fused silica. Journal of Laser Applications, 35(2), 022013. https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0001002
-
Yariv, A. (1991). Optical electronics (4th Edition). Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing.
-
Yorulmaz, I., Beyatli, E., Kurt, A., Sennaroglu, A., & Demirbas, U. (2014). Efficient and low-threshold Alexandrite laser pumped by a single-mode diode. Optical Materials Express, 4(4), 776–789. https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.4.000776
-
Yue, S., Zhimin, W., Fengfeng, Z., Yong, B., & Qinjun, P. (2021). Continuous-wave Alexandrite laser pumped by 638 nm and 532 nm lasers. Infrared and Laser Engineering, 50(3), 1–7. https://www.sciengine.com/IRLA/doi/10.3788/IRLA20200217
Enhancement of Optical Conversion Efficiency in Solid-State Laser Systems through an Advanced Cavity Design by Using Borosilicate Glass
Yıl 2026,
Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 453 - 468, 15.03.2026
Recep Torun
,
Gülhan Ustabas Kaya
Öz
The optical conversion efficiency (OCE) of a laser refers to the effectiveness of a laser system in converting electrical energy into usable laser radiation. Among the key parameters affecting this efficiency is the design of the optical cavity. This study examines the enhancement of optical conversion efficiency in a flash-lamp-pumped GentlelasePlus Alexandrite solid-state laser system through modification of the optical cavity structure. The original fused silica (quartz) cavity frame was replaced with a borosilicate (BK7) glass frame while maintaining the existing three-hole resonator configuration. The primary objectives are to improve efficiency and extend the operational lifetime of the laser system. Laser operation is evaluated at driving voltages of 900 Vdc and 1070 Vdc, and the resulting output energies are measured to calculate optical conversion efficiency (η_OCE). For an input energy of 1 J, the measured efficiencies were 0.1203 % for BK7 and 0.1378 % for quartz. At an input energy of 10 J, η_OCE values of 0.9407 % and 0.8935 % were obtained for BK7 and quartz, respectively. The results indicate that BK7 glass provides a 0.047 % higher efficiency compared to quartz and contributes to a 13 % overall improvement in system performance. Due to its lower material cost, ease of fabrication, and favorable optical performance, BK7 glass is proposed as a practical and cost-effective alternative to fused silica for optical cavity frames in Alexandrite laser systems.
Etik Beyan
Ethics committee approval was not required for this study because of there was no study on animals or humans.
Teşekkür
The authors acknowledge that the language and readability of this manuscript were improved through grammatical revision using AI-generated (ChatGPT-GPT-4o) text assistance.
Kaynakça
-
Almabouada, F., Louhibi, D., Hamici, M., Hammoum, Y., & Haddouche, A. (2011). Power supply for xenon flash-lamp. SIPP 2011, 250–254.
-
Arieli, R. (2025). The laser adventure: Chapter 6.2.3. Weizmann Institute of Science. https://perg.phys.ksu.edu/vqm/laserweb/ch-6/F6s2t3p4.htm
-
Aslam, A., & Alster, T. S. (2014). Evolution of laser skin resurfacing: From scanning to fractional technology. Dermatologic Surgery, 40(11), 1163–1172. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.DSS.0000452648.22012.a0
-
Azadgoli, B., & Baker, R. Y. (2016). Laser applications in surgery. Annals of Translational Medicine, 4(23), 452. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2016.11.51
-
Bavi, E. P., Jouybari, S. N., & Mousavi, F. (2022). A rapid method for producing highly diffuse reflective white paint as the back surface reflector in dye-sensitized solar cell. Optical Materials, 131(1), 112647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2022.112647
-
Bernstein, E., & Adrian, R. (2006). Tattoo and nevus of ota removal with Q-switched ruby laser: Case reports. Cosmetic Dermatology, 19(6), 411–414. https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/Document/September-2017/019060411.pdf
-
Bohacek, P. (2022). Peaceful use of lasers in space? Potential, risks, and norms for using lasers in space. Space Policy, 61(1), 101489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2022.101489
-
Candela Corporation. (2010). GentleLase plus applications descriptions specifications Operator's Manual: (P/N 8501-00-1740, Revision A). Scanlan Group B.V. http://www.frankshospitalworkshop.com/equipment/documents/various_equipment/user_manuals/various/Candela%20GentleLase%20Dermatology%20Laser%20-%20User%20manual.pdf
-
Cheng, D. K. (2017). Mühendislik elektromanyetiğinin temelleri (2. Baskı). Palme Yayınevi.
-
Dharmadhikari, J. A., Dharmadhikari, A. K., Bhatnagar, A., Mallik, A., Singh, P. C., Dhaman, R. K., Chalapathi, K., & Mathur, D. (2011). Writing low-loss waveguides in borosilicate (BK7) glass with a low repetition-rate femtosecond laser. Optics Communications, 284(2), 630–634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2010.09.055
-
Eichler, H. J., Eppich, B., Fischer, J., Güther, R., Gurzadyan, G. G., Hermerschmidt, A., Laubereau, A., Lopota, V. A., Mehl, O., Vidal, C. R., Weber, H., & Wende, B. (2005). Laser physics and applications. Subvolume A: Laser Fundamentals, Part 1. Weber, H., Herziger, G., & Poprawe, R. (Eds.). Springer. https://ehs.msu.edu/_assets/docs/laser/laser-fundamentals-pt1-springer-2005.pdf
-
Einstein, A. (1967). On the quantum theory of radiation. Haar, D. T. (Ed.). The Old Quantum Theory: A volume in the Commonwealth and International Library: Selected Readings in Physics, Part 2, 18(121), 167–183. Pergamon. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-02033-6
-
Flórez, P. B., Maz, H. H. A., Domínguez, J. A., Tost, A. J. E., & Páez, J. O. (2023). Histologic evaluation of effect of three wavelengths of diode laser on human gingival margins. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 14(e61), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.61
-
Garrec, B. L. (2010). Laser-diode and flash lamp pumped solid-state lasers. AIP Conference Proceedings, 111–116. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3426039
-
Gusakova, N., Camper, A., Caravita, R., Penasa, L., Glöggler, L. T., Wolz, T., Krumins, V., Gustafsson, F. P., Huck, S., Volponi, M., Rienacker, B., Khatri, G., Malamant, J., Mariazzi, S., Brusa, R. S., Cabaret, L., Comparat, D., & Doser, M. (2025). An alexandrite laser system for positronium laser cooling. Optics & Laser Technology, 182(Part B), 112097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.112097
-
Han, J., Zhang, F., Van Meerbeek, B., Vleugels, J., Braem, A., & Castagne, S. (2021). Laser surface texturing of zirconia-based ceramics for dental applications: A review. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 123(1), 112034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2021.112034
-
Hecht, J. (2018). Understanding lasers: An entry-level guide (4. Baskı). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119310693
-
Jian, D., Hou, Z., Wang, C., Zhuo, M., Xiao, D., & Wu, X. (2021). Fabrication of fused silica microstructure based on the femtosecond laser. AIP Advances, 11(9), 095218. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0059443
-
Lawrence, J. (Ed.). (2018). Advances in laser materials processing: Technology, research and applications (2nd Edition). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2015-0-05718-5
-
Li, Z. Q, Wang, J. L., Wang, X. F., Allegre, O., Guo, W., Gao, W. Y., Xue, Y., & Li, L. (2020). Debris-free, zero taper cutting of BOROFLOAT 33 glass using a femtosecond Bessel laser beam. Lasers in Engineering, 46(1), 383–393. https://www.oldcitypublishing.com/journals/lie-home/lie-issue-contents/lie-volume-46-number-5-6-2020/lie-46-5-6-p-383-393/
-
Luke, A. M., Mathew, S., Altawash, M. M., & Madan, B. M. (2019). Lasers: A review with their applications in oral medicine. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 10(4), 324–329.
-
Mikhailov, M. M., Lapin, A. N., Yuryev, S. A., & Petrunina, N. V. (2021). On factors affecting the degradation of BaSO4 powders’ optical properties under the action of the solar spectrum quanta. Solid State Communications, 326(1), 114183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssc.2020.114183
-
Parker, S. (2007). Introduction, history of lasers and laser light production. British Dental Journal, 202(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2006.113
-
Poh, A. H., Jamaludin, M. F., Fadzallah, I. A., Ibrahim, N. M. J. N., Yusof, F., Adikan, F. R. M., & Moghavvemi, M. (2019). Diffuse reflectance spectroscopic analysis of barium sulfate as a reflection standard within 173-2500 nm: From pure to sintered form. Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy, 27(6), 393–401. https://doi.org/10.1177/0967033519868241
-
Polyanskiy, M. N. (2024). Refractive index info database of optical constants. Scientific Data, 11, 94. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02898-2
-
Purohit, G. (2020). Overview of lasers. Applied Innovative Research, 2(1), 193–203. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348574808_Overview_of_Lasers
-
Scheuer, S., Munk, A., Strotkamp, M., Haefner, C. L., Höffner, J., & Froh, J. (2024). Efficient intra-cavity frequency doubled, diode-pumped, Q switched alexandrite laser directly emitting in the UV. Optics Express, 32(5), 7553–7563. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.513731
-
Šulc, J., & Jelínková, H. (2013). 5- Solid-state lasers for medical applications. Helena Jelínková, (Ed.). In Woodhead Publishing Series in Electronic and Optical Materials, Lasers for Medical Applications, Woodhead Publishing, (pp. 127–176). https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857097545.2.127
-
Sun, X., Li, J., Hokansson, A., Whelan, D., & Clancy, M. (2009). Study of laser-induced damage to large core silica fiber by Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers. Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment Applications IX, 7173OE. SPIE BiOS, 2009, San Jose, California, United States. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.807758
-
Svelto, O. (2010). Principles of lasers (5th Edition). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1302-9
-
Tawy, G., Minassian, A., & Damzen, M. J. (2023). Power-scaled CW Alexandrite lasers. Applied Physics B, 129(3), 47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-023-07989-x
-
Unland, S., Kalms, R., Wessels, P., Kracht, D., & Neumann, J. (2023). High performance cavity-dumped Q-switched Alexandrite laser CW diode pumped in double-pass configuration. Optics Express, 31(2), 1112–1124. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.478628
-
Watanabe, W., & Terai, S. (2020). Femtosecond laser integration of volume grating in BK7 glass refractive lens. Optical Engineering, 59(4), 046109. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.59.4.046109
-
Wu, J., Zhang, Y., Li, L. Q., Ren, Y., Lu, Q., Wang, L., & Chen, F. (2021). Raman spectra study on modifications of BK7 glass induced by 1030-nm and 515-nm femtosecond laser. Results in Physics, 21(1), 103814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2021.103814
-
Xiao, H., & Damzen, M. J. (2024). High-efficiency 5-watt wavelength-tunable UV output from an Alexandrite laser. Applied Physics B, 130(12), 209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-024-08349-z
-
Yang, Y., Schwarz, S., Esen, C., & Hellmann, R. (2023). Influence of MHz bursts on the ablation efficiency of fused silica. Journal of Laser Applications, 35(2), 022013. https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0001002
-
Yariv, A. (1991). Optical electronics (4th Edition). Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing.
-
Yorulmaz, I., Beyatli, E., Kurt, A., Sennaroglu, A., & Demirbas, U. (2014). Efficient and low-threshold Alexandrite laser pumped by a single-mode diode. Optical Materials Express, 4(4), 776–789. https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.4.000776
-
Yue, S., Zhimin, W., Fengfeng, Z., Yong, B., & Qinjun, P. (2021). Continuous-wave Alexandrite laser pumped by 638 nm and 532 nm lasers. Infrared and Laser Engineering, 50(3), 1–7. https://www.sciengine.com/IRLA/doi/10.3788/IRLA20200217