COHERENT OPTICAL ARRAY TECHNIQUES.
Abstract
A path-length-stabilized Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration for coherent paralleled operation of two neodymium-glass amplifiers has been constructed and is now operational at 1.06 microns. Interferometer alignment during the interpulse period is maintained through use of a 1.0621 microns cw helium-neon gas laser as the phase reference source. A pulsed neodymium-doped calcium tungstate oscillator operating at 1.0582 microns furnishes the input signal to be amplified by the paralleled amplifiers. The glass amplifiers yield 10 db gain when pumped by an FX-65B flashlamp at 2000 joules input. Optical distortions arising from thermal gradients in the laser rod are significant, and means for compensation and reduction are discussed. The output spectra of 1.065 microns cw Nd:YAG oscillators were measured. The output is multifrequency with random fluctuation of mode amplitudes, but quite narrow in total spectrum width (about 6 Gc) compared to fluorescent width (about 90 Gc). Intracavity mode-selection techniques will be required for obtaining single-frequency oscillation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0484009
Entities
Organizations
- Sperry Corporation