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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
Cs laser with unstable cavity transversely pumped by multiple diode lasers
B V Zhdanov1, M K Shaffer, R J Knize
1US Air Force Academy, Department of Physics, Laser and Optics Research Center, 2354 Fairchild Dr., Ste. 2A31, USAF Academy, CO 80840, USA. boris.zhdanov.ctr@usafa.edu
Optics Express
|August 19, 2009
Summary
We developed a cesium (Cs) vapor laser using an unstable resonator and laser diode arrays. This laser achieved 43% slope efficiency and 49 W output power, demonstrating efficient laser performance.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Quantum optics
- Atomic vapor lasers
Background:
- Cesium vapor lasers are important for various applications.
- Developing efficient and high-power Cs vapor lasers is an ongoing research area.
- Transverse pumping offers potential for improved laser performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a Cs vapor laser with an unstable resonator.
- To investigate the performance of Cs vapor lasers pumped by laser diode arrays.
- To achieve high output power and efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Cs vapor gain medium.
- Employed an unstable resonator configuration.
- Transversely pumped the Cs vapor with 15 narrowband laser diode arrays.
Main Results:
- Achieved a slope efficiency of 43%.
- Obtained a total optical efficiency of 31%.
- Reached a maximum output power of 49 W with 157 W of pump power.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated Cs vapor laser is highly efficient.
- Transverse pumping with laser diode arrays is effective for Cs vapor lasers.
- The results show promise for high-power laser applications.
