Performance of a Diode-Pumped Laser Repetitively Q-Switched with a Mechanical Shutter

Abstract

This paper describes the repetitively Q-switched operation of an end- pumped Nd:YAG laser over the range of 200 H 2 to 3 kHz using an intracavity chopper. Performance is shown to be comparable to that achieved with an acousto- optic Q switch under similar conditions. The advantages and limitations of the mechanical Q switch are described. Parametric variations of output coupling and pump power lead to an extended empirical description of repetitively Q-switched laser operation. The insertion loss as a function of aperture-edge penetration into the resonator is reported, and a definition of the mechanical Q-switch opening time is provided. Q-switched pulsewidths as short as 35 ns were obtained for the Nd:YAG laser, with a peak power-enhancement factor in excess of 300. Lasers, Underwater communications, Fraunhofer line.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 20, 1994
Accession Number
ADA279331

Entities

People

  • Joseph F. Myers
  • Richard Scheps

Organizations

  • Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Couplings
  • Diffraction
  • Frequency
  • Insertion Loss
  • Laser Diodes
  • Laser Resonators
  • Lasers
  • Losses
  • Measurement
  • Peak Power
  • Power
  • Q Switching
  • Repetition Rate
  • Resonators
  • Solid State Lasers
  • Steady State
  • Yag Lasers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy