Frequency-stabilized high-power ruby laser Q switched by Rb(2) vapor.

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ruby lasers are a significant source of coherent light.
• Passive Q switching enhances laser output power and pulse characteristics.
• Developing stable, long-lasting saturable absorbers is crucial for laser applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate passive Q switching of a ruby laser using molecular rubidium vapor.
• To investigate the use of an integrated sapphire cell as a saturable absorber.
• To characterize the output of the Q-switched ruby laser.

Main Methods:

• Utilized molecular rubidium (Rb(2)) vapor within an integrated sapphire cell as the saturable absorber.
• Employed a ruby laser gain medium.
• Measured pulse energy, duration, spectral width, and frequency stability.

Main Results:

• Successfully realized passive Q switching of the ruby laser.
• Achieved single-frequency-stabilized giant pulses.
• Obtained pulse energy of 700 mJ, duration of 22 ns, and spectral width of 200 MHz.
• The integrated sapphire cell ensured a long operational period of several years.

Conclusions:

• Molecular rubidium vapor in an integrated sapphire cell is an effective and durable saturable absorber for ruby lasers.
• This technique enables the generation of high-energy, narrow-linewidth giant pulses.
• The findings pave the way for advanced laser systems with enhanced stability and longevity.