Novel unstable resonator configuration with a self-filtering aperture: Experimental characterization of the Nd:YAG loaded cavity

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Appl. Opt.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.24.000026· OSTI ID:6101713

Gobbi, P G; Morosi, S; Reali, G C; Zarkasi, A S

A novel cavity design based on a confocal negative branch unstable resonator configuration is presented. A proper choice for the size of the field limiting aperture, set at the common focal plane of the mirrors, results in removal of the hot spot inside the cavity and in the smoothing of the spatial profile of the oscillating mode. Application of this scheme to a pulsed Nd:YAG oscillator is thoroughly characterized in a variety of operational modes (fixed-Q, Q-switching, mode-locking). The main results are a great efficiency of energy extraction and excellent phase and amplitude profiles of the output beam, which shows real transform-limited performances.

• Research Organization: University of Pavia, Department of Electronics, Applied Physics Sections, 27100 Pavia, Italy
• OSTI ID: 6101713
• Journal Information: Appl. Opt.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Opt.; (United States) Vol. 24:1; ISSN APOPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
AMPLIFICATION
APERTURES
BEAM PROFILES
CAVITY RESONATORS
DESIGN
DISTURBANCES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
GAIN
INSTABILITY
LASER CAVITIES
LASER MIRRORS
LASERS
MIRRORS
MODE LOCKING
NEODYMIUM LASERS
OPENINGS
OPTICAL MODES
OSCILLATION MODES
PERFORMANCE
RESONATORS
SOLID STATE LASERS