A 1-J high-brightness frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nd:YAG lasers are workhorses in various scientific and industrial applications.
• High-brightness and frequency-doubled lasers are crucial for demanding applications.
• Durability and reliability are key performance metrics for laser systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the development of a 1-J high-brightness, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser.
• To characterize the performance and reliability of the developed laser system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a TEM(00)-mode oscillator and four amplifiers.
• Incorporated an optical isolator and a KD*P doubler for frequency doubling.
• Cut the KD*P crystal for type II phase matching at 1064 nm.

Main Results:

• Achieved high brightness with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser system.
• Operated at 10 pulses per second with a 17-nsec pulse width.
• Demonstrated a low beam divergence of 0.4 mrad in a 12.5-mm diameter beam.
• Achieved damage-free operation for over 20 million shots.
• Recorded a mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) exceeding 5 million shots, limited by flashlamp life.

Conclusions:

• The developed Nd:YAG laser system offers high brightness and reliability.
• The system's robust design ensures long-term, damage-free operation.
• The laser's performance metrics make it suitable for demanding applications requiring high energy and stability.