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Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
Rubidium vapor laser pumped by two laser diode arrays
Boris V Zhdanov1, Adam Stooke, Gregory Boyadjian
1Department of Physics, US Air Force Academy, USAF Academy, CO, USA. boris.zhdanov.ctr@usafa.edu
Optics Letters
|March 4, 2008
Summary
Researchers demonstrated a novel continuous-wave (cw) rubidium laser, achieving 17 W output power. This laser, pumped by two diode arrays, shows promise for high-power alkali laser systems.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Scaling alkali lasers to higher powers necessitates multi-diode laser pumping.
- Previous methods for high-power alkali laser generation have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first results of a continuous-wave (cw) rubidium laser pumped by two laser diode arrays.
- To investigate the feasibility of achieving high output power in alkali lasers through diode array pumping.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two laser diode arrays for pumping a cw rubidium laser.
- Characterized laser performance including slope efficiency, total optical efficiency, and output power.
Main Results:
- Achieved a slope efficiency of 53%.
- Demonstrated a total optical efficiency of 46%.
- Reached a maximum output power of 17 W.
Conclusions:
- The presented method successfully scales alkali laser power using diode array pumping.
- This work establishes a new benchmark for diode-pumped cw rubidium lasers.
- The results indicate a viable path towards higher-power alkali laser systems.
