High Peak Power, High PRF Laser System.
Abstract
For many applications of laser techniques, it is often desirable to have a laser device capable of producing output having high peak power, high pulse rate and narrow pulse width. Several techniques have been developed in the art in an effort to attain such output. There are two major difficulties in developing a high peak power, high pulse repetition frequency solid state laser system. Thermal problems are present due to high average powers, and narrow pulse widths are difficult to obtain due to the low gain of a continuous wave pumped oscillator. A technique of the prior art uses an acousto-optic Q-switch which can sustain high average powers. However, such a device produces long pulses widths due to a low gain cavity and slow switching time. Another approach uses electro-optic Q-switches in a pseudo cavity dumping technique which yield narrow pulses and high peak powers at low pulse repetition frequencies. This system, however, becomes unsatble due to thermal induced birefringence when the high average powers of high pulse repetition frequencies are encountered. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a laser system which overcomes the above noted disadvantages inherent in the devices of the prior art. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADD008255
Entities
People
- Ernest M. Ward
Organizations
- United States Army