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Efficient potassium diode pumped alkali laser operating in pulsed mode
Optics Express
|August 5, 2014
Summary
We developed an efficient hydrocarbon-free diode-pumped alkali laser using potassium vapor. This laser achieved over 50% slope efficiency and 30% optical conversion efficiency using a pulsed diode laser stack.
Area of Science:
- Laser Physics
- Quantum Electronics
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- Diode-pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) are promising for various applications.
- Hydrocarbon contamination is a known issue in alkali vapor lasers.
- Efficient DPALs are crucial for advancing laser technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient hydrocarbon-free diode-pumped alkali laser.
- To investigate the performance of a potassium-based DPAL.
- To optimize laser parameters for high efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a narrowband diode laser stack as the pump source.
- Employed potassium vapor buffered by helium (He) gas at 600 Torr.
- Operated the pump source in pulsed mode to mitigate thermal effects and ionization.
Main Results:
- Achieved a slope efficiency exceeding 50%.
- Demonstrated a total optical conversion efficiency of 30%.
- Successfully operated a hydrocarbon-free potassium DPAL.
Conclusions:
- Hydrocarbon-free DPALs are feasible and can achieve high efficiencies.
- Pulsed pumping is effective in managing thermal effects in DPALs.
- This work paves the way for more robust and efficient alkali vapor lasers.
