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Measurement of ruby laser cavity losses by Fabry-Perot resonance
1Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc.,Murray Hill, New Jersey 07971, USA.
Applied Optics
|January 9, 2010
Summary
Optical loss in unpumped ruby lasers was measured using a He-Ne laser probe. Results show low optical loss, validating theoretical models and confirming crystal quality impacts laser performance.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding optical loss in laser crystals is crucial for optimizing laser performance.
- Ruby lasers are widely used, but their optical properties require precise characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optical loss in unpumped ruby laser crystals.
- To compare experimental measurements with theoretical predictions.
- To investigate the effect of crystal quality and surface properties on optical loss.
Main Methods:
- Optical transmissivity measurements versus optical path length using a He-Ne laser probe.
- Temperature-controlled measurements to vary optical path length.
- Comparison with Dufour and Picca's theoretical model.
- Analysis of ruby crystals with as-grown and coated surfaces.
Main Results:
- Excellent agreement between experimental data and Dufour and Picca theory for flux-grown ruby.
- Deduced low loss per pass (beta) values, consistent with laser threshold measurements.
- Observed reduction in surface roughness with multilayer reflectors.
- Quantified optical loss (beta) for different ruby rod geometries and orientations.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully determined optical loss in unpumped ruby lasers.
- Experimental results validate theoretical models for optical loss.
- Crystal quality and surface preparation significantly influence laser performance.
- The methodology provides a reliable method for characterizing optical loss in laser media.
