High-Efficiency, Single-Frequency Laser and Modulator Study
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental studies on (1) mode filters for single- frequency Nd:YAG lasers, (2) wide-bandwidth optical modulators, and (3) laser communication systems and components are reported. Stable single-frequency output power of 0.2 W is obtained from a Nd:YAG laser by using a combination of tilted etalon and a thin metallic film in the laser cavity. Detailed analyses have been made to reduce the insertion loss of mode filters to an absolute minimum so that efficiency can be increased. The electrooptic modulator uses a microwave interdigital filter structure and has a 1.2-GHz bandwidth. A new circuit design aimed at increasing modulation depth for a given rf power has been obtained. Theory indicates that the interferometric mode of modulation should increase efficiency over the birefringence mode; good experimental agreement has been obtained. Study of optical crystals has been initiated; no optical damage or beam distortion of LiNbO3 was observed under continuous radiation of 14 kW/sq. cm green light when the crystal was at 180C. Several laser communication system concepts and modulation formats have been selected for study. An annotated bibliography of these systems has been published.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0730069
Entities
People
- H. V. Hance
- K. K. Chow
- Robert C. Ohlmann
- W. B. Leonard
- W. Culshaw
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space