LOSSES IN RUBY LASERS. THE SPHERICAL-MIRROR FABRY-PEROT INTERFEROMETER.
Abstract
A comprehensive study of the losses in ruby lasers is described. The passive losses (umpumped crystal) were studied with a 6328A laser probe and a scanning interferometer. In the optically pumped crystal, the excited-state population was inferred from excited-state absorption at 6328A, and then used to accurately determine active laser losses. For high quality ruby crystals, losses were on the order of 0.03/cm in the passive state, increasing to approximately twice this value when optically pumped. Observed losses at 6328A were in good agreement with calculations based on Mie scattering cross-sections. The excited-state absorption coefficient from the 2E level in ruby at 6943A was found to be 0.0 plus or minus 0.05/cm. Losses due to thermal distortion of the ruby rod were found to be negligible during pulsed operation of the laser. An appendix to this report gives a detailed description of the spherical-mirror Fabry-Perot interferometer, and specific interferometer designs are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0667561
Entities
People
- Arthur N. Rosen
- Michael Hercher
Organizations
- University of Rochester