Optimization of Nd:Glass Lasers with Phosphate-Laser Glass

Abstract

In this report the impact of phosphate base neodymium glass on laser design for fusion experiments is examined. It is shown that in an optimum amplifier this glass solves the self-focusing problems for pulses longer than 250 ps. Large systems (> 100 kJ) appear possible with this glass with overall efficiencies on the order of 0.2% for nanosecond pulses. For short pulses this glass gives at least a factor of five improvement over silicate systems in terms of cost per terawatt. Phosphate optimized rod amplifier systems are also examined, and found far less desirable than the disc system, both in cost and complexity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA032285

Entities

People

  • J. M. Mcmahon

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplifiers
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Cost Reductions
  • Glass Lasers
  • Intensity
  • Laser Amplifiers
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Materials
  • Lasers
  • Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
  • Materials
  • Nd:Glass Lasers
  • Optics
  • Phosphate Glass
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Refraction
  • Refractive Index

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy