Synchronizable Q-switched, mode-locked, and cavity-dumped ruby laser for plasma diagnostics

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.335311· OSTI ID:5862076

Houtman, H; Meyer, J

We report on the design and operation of an optimized version of a Q-switched, mode-locked, and cavity-dumped ruby-laser oscillator. The modulator window is much narrower than that assumed in conventional active mode-lock theory, and is shown to yield much shorter pulses than the latter in cases where the number of round trips is restricted. To allow a high-power pulse (roughly-equal1 GW) to evolve in the oscillator, and to allow simple synchronization to a (approx.100 ns fixed delay) CO/sub 2/ laser, a limit of 23 round trips was chosen, but similar limits may be imposed by lasers having short-gain duration as in an excimer laser. Details are given on the single spark gap switching element and Pockels cells, with an analysis of their expected switching speeds, in order to establish the effectiveness of the modulator, as compared to conventional sinusoidally driven active mode lockers. Single pulses of 50--70 mJ are reliably cavity-dumped after only 100-ns delay (23 round trips) with pulse length adjustable from 50--100 ps with +- 5-ps stability. Relative timing between the main (CO/sub 2/) and probe (ruby) pulses allows a measurement accuracy of +- 50 ps to be attained.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1A6 Canada
• OSTI ID: 5862076
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 57:11; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
DESIGN
LASER CAVITIES
LASERS
MODE LOCKING
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
POWER
POWER RANGE MILLI W
Q-SWITCHING
RUBY LASERS
SOLID STATE LASERS