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

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 Ce:Nd:YAG 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.

Stable emission of solar laser power under non-continuous solar tracking conditions.

Solar laser technology typically requires a highly accurate solar tracking system that operates continuously, which increases energy consumption and reduces the system's lifetime. We propose a multi-rod solar laser pumping approach to enhance solar laser stability under non-continuous solar tracking conditions. Using a heliostat, solar radiation is redirected toward a first-stage parabolic concentrator.

Highly Efficient Four-Rod Pumping Approach for the Most Stable Solar Laser Emission.

We report a significant numerical improvement in multi-rod laser efficiency, with an enhanced solar tracking error compensation capacity for a heliostat-parabolic system. The solar laser head was composed of a fused silica conical lens and a single conical pump cavity ensuring multiple passes through four 4.55 mm diameter, 15 mm length Nd:YAG rods.