Accession Number:

ADA279331

Title:

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

Descriptive Note:

Professional paper

Corporate Author:

NAVAL COMMAND CONTROL AND OCEAN SURVEILLANCE CENTER RDT AND E DIV SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Scheps, Richard
• Myers, Joseph F.

Report Date:

1994-02-20

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

This paper describes the repetitively Q-switched operation of an end- pumped NdYAG 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 NdYAG laser, with a peak power-enhancement factor in excess of 300. Lasers, Underwater communications, Fraunhofer line.

Descriptors:

• *DIODES
• *Q SWITCHING
• *LASERS
• *SHUTTERS(OPTICS)
• YAG LASERS
• OUTPUT
• REPRINTS
• TIME
• PEAK POWER
• ACOUSTICS
• COUPLINGS
• SWITCHES
• SOLAR SPECTRUM
• OPENINGS
• APERTURES
• INSERTION LOSS
• PUMPS
• RESONATORS
• POWER
• UNDERWATER COMMUNICATIONS
• PENETRATION
• VARIATIONS
• OPTICS
• MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
• EDGES
• AUGMENTATION
• CAVITIES

Subject Categories:

• Lasers and Masers
• Acoustooptic and Optoacoustic Devices
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Optics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE