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Title: Improved performance of an optically pumped FIR laser using metallic waveguide

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1143659· OSTI ID:7250613
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Electrical Engineering Department, and Institute of Plasma and Fusion Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024 (United States)
  2. General Atomics, San Diego, California 91121 (United States)

In order to improve the overall output characteristics of far-infrared (FIR) lasers, recent development at UCLA has concentrated on the use of a metallic overmoded waveguide (smooth bore and corrugated) instead of a conventional smooth-bore dielectric waveguide. The metallic waveguide has substantially lower propagation losses, especially at frequencies below 500 GHz, and also supports the desired HE{sub 11} mode. Laboratory results show a substantial increase in output power using a corrugated metallic waveguide, with 37 mW being obtained at 1.22 mm using {sup 13}CH{sub 3}F (isotopic methyl fluoride) while maintaining the same mode quality and polarization. This represents an improvement of 100% over a smooth-bore dielectric waveguide. Comparison of far-infrared output using the three types of waveguide will be made.

DOE Contract Number:
FG03-86ER53225
OSTI ID:
7250613
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments; (United States), Vol. 63:10; ISSN 0034-6748
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English