Blackbody absorption efficiencies for six lamp pumped Nd laser materials

Flash-lamp-pumped Ho:Tm:Cr:YAG and Ho:Tm:Er:YLF lasers: modeling of a single, long pulse length comparison

Two methods of producing the long pulse lengths that promote efficient extraction of energy from low-gain, quasi-four-level lasers are analyzed. A long pulse length output can mitigate laser-induced damage effects and can be generated in quasi-four-level lasers by two disparate methods. One method utilizes Q-switching techniques in resonators designed to extend the pulse length and another utilizes the first pulse in a relaxation oscillation pulse train. Models for quasi-four-level lasers are derived here taking into account the nonnegligible thermal population of the lower laser level. Closed-form expressions are derived for both modes of operation of quasi-four-level laser systems so the parametric dependencies of both forms of operation become obvious, allowing facile comparison. In addition, a combined absorption and quantum efficiency, germane for flash-lamp pumping, is calculated for both Cr and Er sensitizers. Although the former has the advantage of broad absorption bands, the latter has the advantage of a quantum efficiency approaching 3.

Single-mode electro-optically tuned Nd:YVO(4) laser

The design and operating characteristics of a single-mode electro-optically tuned Nd-doped YVO(4) laser are described. Tuning is accomplished by means of a section of LiTaO(3) included in the 600-microm-long cavity. The laser has been tuned electronically over a range of > 10 GHz and thermally over a range of > 100 GHz without mode hopping.

Ray-tracing analysis of pumping reflectors for slab lasers. 1: Standard involute reflectors

We present the results of a ray-tracing analysis of standard involute-type reflector profiles by using a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation shows why this profile, which is perfect in principle, gives a nonuniform slab illumination if the reflector surface reflectivity is infinite or the emission from the generating circle of the involute is not Lambertian. The reflector has, however, a 100% geometrical transfer efficiency. Deviations from ideal behavior, resulting from absorption losses and the presence of refracting surfaces, are examined separately.