Output Power Variations in ND:YAG Laser Hosts.

Abstract

Seemingly identical Nd:YAG laser rods often exhibit significant variations in output power. The purpose of this report is to investigate the possible cause or causes for the performance variations in Nd:YAG laser rods. The fundamental chemical and crystal growth characteristics of Nd:YAG are reviewed. The spectroscopy of Nd:YAG is discussed with emphasis on the laser transition. The more common spectroscopic parameters are defined and the important relationships between them derived. Expressions relating the laser performance of CW and Q-switched systems to the host parameters are developed and the important parameters are discussed. Possible energy transfer mechanisms to account for performance variations are presented and evaluated. It is proposed that concentration variations are primarily responsible for laser performance fluctuations and a method for obtaining experimental verification is outlined. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA055180

Entities

People

  • Warren B. Maupin Ii

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Chemistry
  • Crystal Growth
  • Crystals
  • Energy Levels
  • Energy Transfer
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Resonators
  • Laser Science
  • Lasers
  • Masers
  • Refraction
  • Solid State Lasers
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • Transitions
  • Yag Lasers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy