Saturable Absorbing Materials for Q-Switching Neodymium Lasers
Abstract
The report describes investigative work performed on IBM proprietary dye 106-5 for Q-switching neodymium lasers. This dye was used in solution form to Q-switch a neodymium glass laser to deliver a peak power of over 100 megawatts in approximately 20 nanoseconds and in plastic thin film form to Q- switch a flashlamp pumped neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser to deliver a peak power of over 3 megawatts with a 15 nonoseconds pulsewidth. A plastic thin film with liquid cooling also proved to be useful in Q-switching a multiple pulse Nd:YAG laser. The selection of solvents and solid host materials for this dye, as well as the construction of the liquid-dye cell and the plastic-dye film, are discussed. Results on durability and temperature stability tests for both the dye solution and the plastic-dye film are also included. Based on the present results, design recommendations are made for improving the performance of the Q-switch dye in a solution form, as well as in a solid matrix.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0742730
Entities
People
- Hai-men Lo
Organizations
- International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)