Sun-Pump And Lamp-Pump Nd:YAG Lasers For Space Communications

Dan Radecki; Ed Reed; Curt Chadwick

doi:10.1117/12.956695

21 December 1978 Sun-Pump And Lamp-Pump Nd:YAG Lasers For Space Communications

Dan Radecki, Ed Reed, Curt Chadwick

Proceedings Volume 0150, Laser and Fiber Optics Communications; (1978) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956695
Event: 22nd Annual Technical Symposium, 1978, San Diego, United States

Abstract

This paper describes two versions of a mode-locked, internally frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser for use in a high data rate spaceborne optical communications system. The two versions are similar except for the method of optically pumping the rod. One is CW pumped with an alkali-metal vapor arc lamp operating at 250W input, while the other is pumped using sunlight collected by a 24-inch cassegrainian telescope. Mode-locking at a pulse repetition rate of 500 MHz and frequency doubling are accomplished using a single crystal of barium sodium niobate. Laser output powers in the TEM00 mode are 200mW and 400mW, respectively, for the lamp-pumped and sun-pumped versions with pulse widths of 300-400 ps (10% points). The mechanical and optical design of these lasers are discussed, and their pricipal performance characteristics are described.

Citation Download Citation

Dan Radecki, Ed Reed, and Curt Chadwick "Sun-Pump And Lamp-Pump Nd:YAG Lasers For Space Communications", Proc. SPIE 0150, Laser and Fiber Optics Communications, (21 December 1978); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956695

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