Modeling and characterization of high-power single frequency free-space Brillouin lasers

Free-space Brillouin lasers (BLs) are capable of generating high-power, narrow-linewidth laser outputs at specific wavelengths. Although there have been impressive experimental demonstrations of these lasers, there is an absence of a corresponding theory that describes the dynamic processes that occur within them. This paper presents a time-independent analytical model that describes the generation of the first-order Stokes field within free-space BLs. This model is based on the cavity resonance enhancement theory and coupled wave equations that govern the processes of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). This model is validated using an experimental diamond BL to numerically simulate the influence of the cavity design parameters on the SBS threshold, pump enhancement characteristics, and power of the generated Stokes field. Specifically, the model is used to determine the SBS cavity coupler reflectance to yield the maximum Stokes field output power and efficiency, which is also a function of the pump power and other cavity design parameters. This analysis shows that the appropriate choice of Brillouin cavity coupler reflectance maximizes the Stokes field output power for a given pump power. Furthermore, the onset of higher-order Stokes fields that are undesirable in the context of single-frequency laser operation were inhibited. This study aids in understanding the relationship between the cavity parameters and resultant laser characteristics for the design and optimization of laser systems.