Method of preventing post pulsing of Q-switched laser

Patent · Tue Sep 21 04:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:7334232

de Wit, M

An improved optically pumped, acousto-optically Q-switched laser is disclosed, capable of significantly increased output energy. Optical coatings, with their inherent limitations on maximum energy of the output pulse, are completely eliminated. At the reflecting surfaces, Porro prisms replace the mirrors conventionally used. At the non-reflecting or transmitting surfaces, conventional, anti-reflective coatings are eliminated by placing the respective elements at the Brewster angle for the dominant polarization of the Q-switching material. Optimum output coupling is achieved by adjustment of the Q-switch drive. In order to prevent undesired second pulses in the output, which normally limit the maximum attainable output energy, a filtering shield of material opaque to the operating frequency is placed in the laser cavity, between the flash pump and the laser rod, to minimize the possibility of a second-pulse buildup due to random emission before the Q-switch is turned fully off. The wavelength of the output radiation may be sequentially selected from among the various spectral lines of the lasing material, by appropriate selection of the rf frequency applied to the acousto-optic element.

• Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3982203
• OSTI ID: 7334232
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
DESIGN
LASER CAVITIES
LASERS
OPTICAL PUMPING
PERFORMANCE
Q-SWITCHING