Title :
Stable-relaxation-oscillation Nd lasers for long-pulse generation
Author :
Harrison, James ; Rines, Glen A. ; Moulton, Peter F.
Author_Institution :
Schwartz Electro-Opt. Inc., Concord, MA, USA
fDate :
6/1/1988 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A simple method to produce high-energy neodymium (Nd) laser pulses with durations on the order of 1 mu s is described. Solid-state lasers can be pumped by relatively short flashlamp pulses to produce well-behaved relaxation oscillations in a diffusion-limited beam. Under the right conditions, each output laser pulse consists of a series of discrete subpulses that are ideally suited to efficient, high-energy amplification. Experimental results for an Nd:LiYF/sub 4/ oscillator/amplifier system are presented along with numerical simulations. These demonstrate that the system operation is predictable and well behaved. Data are also included for a Nd:glass tunable oscillator based on this concept.<>
Keywords :
laser beams; neodymium; solid lasers; 1.0 mus; LiYF/sub 4/:Nd laser; Nd:LiYF/sub 4/; Nd:glass; diffusion-limited beam; flashlamp pulses; long-pulse generation; relaxation oscillations; Laser beams; Laser excitation; Laser stability; Neodymium; Numerical simulation; Optical pulses; Oscillators; Pulse amplifiers; Pump lasers; Solid lasers;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
