Er: YLF Laser Development. Part 2
Abstract
Growth and laser performance of the laser material Er:YLF was investigated. This is a 4 level emitting at 0.85 microns and operated in the flash pumped mode at room temperature. Large, uniform diameter boules of Er:YLF have been grown under automatic diameter control in an argon atmosphere. 0.25 x 3 inch rods with scattering loss less than 0.5% 1/cm and optical path distortion of less than 1 fringe per inch have been routinely grown on this program. The rod yield is limited only by external geometry; there are no cores in this material. Boule uniformity and boule-boule reproducibility was excellent. Two feed purification procedures were employed in this program. Comparative laser testing showed a linear increase in laser efficiency with Er concentration from 2 - 5% Er. At 10 Hz, long pulse, 1.1 watts output were measured from a 0.25 x 3 inch rod with a slope efficiency of 0.5% (overall efficiency 0.3%) at room temperature. Higher output powers were constrained by flashlamp peak current limitations. Q-switched outputs at 1/2 the long pulse efficiency were obtained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADB010635
Entities
People
- C. S. Naiman
- D. R. Gabbe
- E. P. Chicklis
- J. D. Kuppenheimer
- R. C. Folweiler