Ultraviolet and visible lasers for high-power applications
The basic considerations affecting the choice of new high-power laser systems operating in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) regions of the spectrum are reviewed. In terms of focusable power, if all systems were diffraction limited, with no other factors intervening, the shortest wave length available would be the best one to use. However, as shown in this report, pointing and figure errors can lead to a departure from the diffraction limited ideal for visible and UV lasers. High power performance can also be degraded by two photon absorption and cumulative degradation of optical materials limits the average power performance. Thus practical considerations may limit high power visible and UV laser sytems. The laser kinetics also sets limits on performance and the important kinetic processes are reviewed. Examples are taken and reference made to the various classes of short wave length lasers: rare gas excimers, rare-gas oxides and halides, and mercuric halides. The applicability of nuclear pumped lasers to short wavelengths is discussed as is the potential of a free-electron laser operating in this region.
- Research Organization:
- La Jolla Inst., CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5020780
- Report Number(s):
- LJI-TN-78-017; ON: TI87900518
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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