Q-Switched Evaluation of CaLaSOAP:Nd.
Abstract
This final technical report describes the results of a four-month program to investigate the thermo-optic and laser properties of Nd:LaSOAP as they relate to laser system design and operational characteristics. A major accomplishment of the program was the demonstration of E/O Q-switching of Nd:LaSOAP at high average output powers and the determination of average power and single pulse energy limitations. In addition, experimental investigations and tradeoff analyses were conducted which clearly demonstrate the superiority of CaLaSOAP:Nd over other available solid state laser materials for repetitively Q-switched applications requiring Q-switched outputs of 500 to 1000 millijoules at repetition rates of 10 to 30 pulses per second. For the four laser rods tested during this contract, interferometric fringe counts and active laser loss measurements show that the optical quality of Nd:LaSOAP is as good as or better than commercially available neodymium laser materials. Evaluation of thermo-optic distortion at high average power has conclusively shown that Nd:LaSOAP lasers with average output powers in excess of 30 watts can be constructed and operated with beam divergence values as low as those presently available from YAG:Nd lasers. Lasing efficiency measurements and energy storage calculations indicate that in the 500 to 1000 millijoule regime, Nd:LaSOAP is capable of higher overall efficiencies than can be obtained using other available laser materials. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0905889
Entities
People
- Gary D. Baldwin