Investigation of Nonlinear Propagation and Chirping of Short CO2 Laser Pulses.
Abstract
The experimental and theoretical program is directed toward obtaining short pulses at 10.6 micron wavelength and studies of the interaction of these pulses with absorbing and amplifying media. Two new passive Q-switching agents for CO2 were discovered, and also N2O was passively Q-switched for the first time. Continuous mode-locking of a dc discharge CO2 laser is reported; and self-mode and saturation pulse sharpening have lead to a pulse of 10 nsec duration, the shortest obtained with dc excited CO2 lasers. Mode-locking an atmospheric pressure electrically pulsed CO2 laser has resulted in the generation of pulses as short as 2 nsec. Two new high pressure lasers have been operated utilizing the cross-excited electrically pulsed excitation scheme. Neutral argon (1.59 micrometer wavelength) and Freon-12 (1.79 micrometer) lased, producing peak powers of about a kilowatt with a pulse duration of 0.2 micro sec. Experimental investigations of flowing metal vapor lasers have been undertaken using a vaporization-condensation flow concept to overcome the self-quenching caused by the long-lived metastable lower laser level at high repetition rates. The concept has been demonstrated using lead, and the experimental technique is discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0722812
Entities
People
- Carl M. Ferrar
- David C. Smith
- John H. Mccoy
- Paul J. Berger
- Stephen Marcus
Organizations
- United Aircraft Corporation