High repetition rate frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser for airborne bathymetry

A flashlamp pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser producing 7-nsec 2.8-mJ pulses at 530 nm and 400 pps has been developed for use in airborne bathymetry. A flashlamp gas mixture of krypton and xenon provides efficient laser operation and rapid lamp recovery. Pulse transmission mode operation is used to achieve a narrow pulse width. Thermally induced lensing and birefringence in the rod are compensated for in the optical resonator. Rapid, high repetition rate Pockels cell switching is accomplished with a thyratron driver. A CD*A crystal cut for 85 degrees phase matching at 55 degrees C is used to provide high conversion efficiency second harmonic generation.