DAMAGE THRESHOLD STUDIES IN LASER CRYSTALS
Abstract
In the report a mode-controlled giant pulse laser oscillator and amplifier are described. The oscillator employs a temperature-controlled resonant reflector, a dye Q-switch laser and a 2 mm aperture to assure single mode operation. The result of preliminary threshold measurements on a few different ruby samples are presented. Equations which describe the propagation of the gaussian mode are examined in order to answer some important questions concerning focusing inside dielectric media. The potential usefulness of the scanning electron microscope as a tool for examining surface damage is pointed out by the presentation of a few interesting photomicrographs. The theoretical effort is concentrated on the effects of strong optical fields on relatively low densities of electrons in the conduction band of a transparent polar crystal. The present studies have led to agreement with the general opinion that these electrons are a key link in the optical pulse damage process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0706414
Entities
People
- Concetto R. Giuliano
- Gerald R. Rickel
- Laverne D. Hess
- Robert W. Hellwarth
Organizations
- HRL Laboratories