Title :
A new galvanometric scanner for rapid tuning of CO2 lasers
Author :
Fox, Jay A. ; Gautier, Cynthia R.
Author_Institution :
US Army Center for Night Vision & Electro-Optics, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
Abstract :
A device for rapidly tuning both CW (continuous-wave) and TEA (transversely excited atmospheric) CO2 lasers is presented. This galvanometer-driven unit is of considerable importance over that previously reported in that it can attain at least 200 Hz tuning without the need for additional equipment or algorithms. Tuning a TEA laser at repetition rates of 200 Hz has been demonstrated for even the widest excursions, corresponding to tuning over the entire CO2 spectrum. No amplitude-dependent adjustments were needed for even the weakest available transitions. CW laser tuning was also demonstrated to approximate this limit, and it was shown that this type of galvanometer is also suitable for heterodyne detection lidar tuning
Keywords :
galvanometers; gas lasers; laser accessories; laser tuning; CO2 lasers; continuous wave laser; galvanometric scanner; heterodyne detection lidar tuning; rapid tuning; repetition rates; transversely excited atmospheric laser; Absorption; Gas lasers; Gratings; Laser feedback; Laser radar; Laser tuning; Microcomputers; Mirrors; Optical pulses; Switches;
Conference_Titel :
Southeastcon '91., IEEE Proceedings of
Conference_Location :
Williamsburg, VA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-0033-5
DOI :
10.1109/SECON.1991.147970
