Solid-State Lasers for Bathymetry and Communications. Studies of Four Rare-Earth Materials.
Abstract
Lasing transitions of four rare-earth ions in crystalline hosts were investigated for use in laser bathymetry and strategic communications systems. Transitions in Nd:YAG Li Ho F4 were studied theoretically and experimentally from 210K to 273K. At 210K the Nd transition produced 42 mj of energy when pumped by a krypton lamp with 32 joules of energy. The stimulated emission cross-section of the transition in Li Ho F4 was found to be 4 to the -20 power sq cm. The lasing threshold of a 5 mm x 75 mm Hi Ho F4 rod exceeded 50 joules at 210K. Lasing was not observed in this material. The cross-section of the 5D(4) yields 7F(5) transition (545 mm) in Li Tb F4 was measured as .16 x 10 to the -20th power sq. cm at 77K. The cross-section of the 4S(3/2) yields (15/2) transition (550 nm) in Er: Li YF4 was measured as 5 x 10 to the -20th power sq cm at 77K. A first-order analysis of the efficiency of refrigerated solid-state lasers is presented. The frequency-doubled Nd:YAG at 532 nm appears more efficient than any of the transitions studied in this work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 03, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA126098
Entities
People
- Gerald D. Ferguson
- Michael B. Rankin
- Stephen R. Bazow
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster