Beam Uniformity Measurements for Q-Switched Nd:YAG Lasers

Abstract

The output beam uniformity of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, using four different flashlamp-laser rod pump cavity coupling configurations, is described. The test apparatus and test procedure used to establish the beam uniformity quantitatively are given. A newly defined beam uniformity parameter M, the ratio of maximum-to-average peak power density, is shown to vary significantly for the pump cavities tested. The data presented on beam uniformity is applicable toward improving laser pump cavity design, interpreting particular missile and seeker tracking behavior, comparing techniques for measuring laser beam divergence and is an aid in establishing the damage threshold level for retinal tissues and laser resonator components at 1.06 micrometers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0894251

Entities

People

  • Edward A. Teppo

Organizations

  • Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antireflection Coatings
  • Couplings
  • Far Field
  • Focal Planes
  • Gaussian Distributions
  • Geometry
  • Hot Spots
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Resonators
  • Laser Safety
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Piezoceramics
  • Radiation
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Yag Lasers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy