An efficient microchip laser utilizing domestically fabricated ceramic Yb:YAG is presented. In continuous-wave
(cw) and Q-switched operation, the laser maintains linear polarization with 22 dB extinction and oscillates in the
fundamental TEM00 mode. In cw mode, the ceramic laser has an output power of 2.25 W and a slope efficiency of 66%.
When passively Q-switched at 11.4 kHz repetition rate using Cr:YAG, the 1.9 ns pulse has an average power of 0.72 W
and a slope efficiency of 46%. To our knowledge, this is currently the highest reported power from a ceramic Yb:YAG
laser. The laser performance of the 5-at.% ceramic is compared to a 10-at.% single crystal, and we discuss how the
scattering loss and storage efficiency of the ceramic medium affect its laser characteristics.
An efficient microchip laser utilizing domestically fabricated ceramic Yb:YAG is presented. In continuous-wave (cw) and Q-switched operation, the laser maintains linear polarization with 22 dB extinction and oscillates in the fundamental TEM00 mode. In cw mode, the ceramic laser has an output power of 2.25 W and a slope efficiency of 66%. When passively Q-switched at 11.4 kHz repetition rate using Cr:YAG, the 1.9 ns pulse has an average power of 0.72 W and a slope efficiency of 46%. To our knowledge, this is currently the highest reported power from a ceramic Yb:YAG laser. The laser performance of the 5-at.% ceramic is compared to a 10-at.% single crystal, and we discuss how the scattering loss and storage efficiency of the ceramic medium affect its laser characteristics.
KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Resonators, Chemical lasers, High power lasers, Laser systems engineering, Hydrogen fluoride lasers, Silicon, Aluminum, Chemical elements, Optical components
Alpha is a megawatt-class hydrogen fluoride, continuous wave, space based chemical laser brassboard which demonstrates and validates technology for space-based applications. It consists of a cylindrical gain generator that exhausts radially outward through circumferential nozzles forming an annular lasing media and an annular ring resonator, which extracts the laser energy. Technical innovations first demonstrated on Alpha include: (1) use of extruded aluminum components, (2) diamond turned, annular optics made of molybdenum, (3) uncooled silicon mirrors, (4) light weight optical benches, and (5) active alignment. Alpha first lased in 1989, and has repeatably demonstrated megawatt-class power and excellent beam quality. Using Alpha, TRW has demonstrated the use of low weight uncooled mirrors in very high power lasers to reduce system jitter. They have performed flawlessly and beam jitter levels were significantly reduced.
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