Simulation of Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers with stable resonators and with one or two transverse modes

Computer calculations of the beam quality and output power of nearly diffraction-limited thin-disk Yb:YAG lasers are presented. The CW lasers have stable resonators. Our calculations include the simultaneous operation of two transverse modes. The simulated lasers are similar to those for which experimental results have been reported by other researchers but we have not attempted to make a precise comparison. Our calculated results show interesting trends that can be used in designing such lasers.