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End-pumped 1.5 microm monoblock laser for broad temperature operation
Bradley W Schilling1, Stephen R Chinn, A D Hays
1United States Army RDECOM CERDEC, Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA. bradley.schilling@nvl.army.mil
Applied Optics
|August 17, 2006
Summary
This study presents a new monoblock laser system delivering over 10 mJ at 1.5 micrometers and 10 pulses per second. It operates reliably across wide temperature ranges without active cooling, showcasing robust laser technology.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Developing compact, high-energy lasers for diverse applications is crucial.
- Existing laser systems often require active temperature control, limiting their operational range and increasing complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a next-generation monoblock laser system.
- To demonstrate high-energy output at 1.5 micrometers with a high repetition rate.
- To achieve wide ambient temperature operation without active thermal management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.
- Incorporated a Cr4+ passive Q-switch and an intracavity potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) optical parametric oscillator.
- Employed end-pumping of the Nd:YAG slab with a 12-bar stack of 100 W diode bars.
- Compared different pump radiation focusing techniques: lensed design, reflective concentrator, and lens duct.
Main Results:
- Achieved >10 mJ output energy at 1.5 micrometers.
- Demonstrated a repetition rate of 10 pulses per second (pps).
- Confirmed reliable operation across a wide temperature range (-20°C to 50°C) for all end-pumped configurations.
Conclusions:
- The developed monoblock laser offers high performance and wide temperature capability.
- End-pumping with diode bars is an effective strategy for achieving high repetition rates and efficiency.
- The system eliminates the need for active temperature control, enhancing its practicality for field applications.
