Holographic Investigation of Thermal Effects in Nonlinear Crystals.
Abstract
The thermal response of barium sodium niobate (BSN) and cesium dihydrogen arsenate (CDA) to intra-cavity, Nd:YALO3 laser radiation were studied using holographic interferometry. The laser operated at 1.08 micrometer at an internal power level of 8W. BSN showed a uniform increase of 2.6C for CW operation without harmonic generation and about 3.1C for Q-switched operation with harmonic generation. The increased response is believed to be a result of nonlinear absorption at the high peak powers associated with Q-switching. CDA, tested only under CW operation without harmonic generation, showed a gradient of 30C/cm in the beam spot and a logarithmic decrease across the bulk of the crystal. Thermal focussing by CDA and its effect on laser operation were observed; a thermal focal length of 46.5 cm was calculated. Thermal conductivities, phase match temperatures, and refractive index variations with temperature were determined. Also, a second harmonic generation test was conducted for BSN: conversion efficiency of 0.2% in CW mode and 5% in Q-switched mode were determined from output power measurements. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764703
Entities
People
- Kirby H. Williams
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology