ACTIVE DISTORTION DURING RUBY LASER ACTION.
Abstract
Ruby laser rods were studied with respect to thermal distortions induced by the excitation pump flash. Nonuniform temperature distributions cause optical distortions and prevent the laser beam from realizing its minimum theoretical width (diffraction limit). These variations result from the radial distribution of absorbed energy. The radial gradients produce changes in the index of refraction and optical path length which lead to a lens type behavior by the ruby rod. More uniform pumping would reduce the temperature distributions and consequently diminish this lens effect. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0653060
Entities
People
- Mylan Radulovich
- R. J. Collins
Organizations
- University of Minnesota