Five-Ce:Nd:YAG-rod solar laser approach with TEM-mode collection efficiency of 51.7 W/m.

One of the major goals of solar-pumped lasers is to improve -mode collection and conversion efficiencies. Several studies have explored multi-rod designs with the aim of enhancing laser output and thermal management by distributing the absorbed solar energy across multiple rods. In this work, we introduced a concept comprising four Fresnel lenses with a total collection area of 3.

Four-Ce:Nd:YAG-rod solar laser with 4.49% conversion efficiency through Fresnel lens.

The development of solar laser systems that combine high efficiency and cost-effectiveness is key to the practical implementation of this renewable technology. This paper presents the outcomes of the assessment of a solar laser prototype performed in the focal zone of a Fresnel lens, where it successfully emitted four laser beams at the same time. It featured an aspheric lens, a conical pump cavity, and four Ce:Nd:YAG rods arranged in an end-side pump configuration.

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.