An Improved Prism for Use in Laser Resonators

Abstract

The use of compound total internal reflection prisms rather than Porro prisms in polarisation coupled lasers is proposed. Performance advantages resulting from the use of these prisms include higher output without the need to bias the Pockels cell, ability to give a larger range of output coupling and independence of performance on the refractive index of the prism. In conventional Q-switched lasers the use of the prism at the Pockels cell end of the resonator instead of the usual 100% reflecting mirror also leads to some advantages including better hold-off, elimination of the need to bias the Pockels cell and insensitivity in one plane to angular misalignment.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA112178

Entities

People

  • J. Richards

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Couplings
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Resonators
  • Lasers
  • Mirrors
  • Misalignment
  • Phase Shift
  • Pockels Cells
  • Polarization
  • Radiation
  • Reflection
  • Refractive Index
  • Resonators
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • Scientists
  • Total Internal Reflection
  • Waveplates

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy