High peak power output, high PRF by cavity dumping a Nd:YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Acousto-optic modulators are crucial for controlling laser output.
• Nd:YAG lasers are widely used in various scientific and industrial applications.
• Efficient intracavity modulation is key to achieving high-power pulsed laser output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intracavity modulation of a Nd:YAG laser using an acousto-optic quartz modulator.
• To achieve high dumping efficiencies and stable, high-peak-power output pulses.
• To analyze the dynamics of cavity dumping and its effect on pulse repetition frequency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Nd:YAG laser system.
• Employed an acousto-optic quartz modulator driven by 100 W of RF input power at 450 MHz.
• Characterized output pulse width, peak power, and repetition frequency.

Main Results:

• Achieved high dumping efficiencies for intracavity modulation.
• Obtained stable output pulses with a 25-nsec width and peak powers up to 570 W.
• Demonstrated stable operation at repetition frequencies up to 2 MHz.

Conclusions:

• The oscillation dynamics of circulating laser power dictate cavity dumping.
• A lower limit for pulse repetition frequency was established at approximately 200 kHz.
• The acousto-optic modulation technique is effective for high-power pulsed Nd:YAG lasers.