Neodymium Laser Glass Improvement Program
Abstract
The report describes work carried out over a nine-year period to improve the properties and performance of Nd-laser glass. One of the first tasks was the reduction of absorption at 1.06 micrometers to a 0.1-0.2%/cm level by the identification and elimination of such impurities as iron. Fluorescent lifetime was investigated. The degree of discoloration due to solarization by the pump source and its effect on laser performance was investigated. Theory was evolved for the design of an 'athermal' laser material based on the hypothesis that thermally induced optical distortion resulting from thermal expansion and associated stress-optical effects can be counterbalanced by direct thermally induced index changes if proper glass composition and cavity design are chosen. Descriptions are given of the measuring techniques for determining coefficients of the above temperature and pressure effects as a function of glass composition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0772632
Entities
People
- Richard F. Woodcock