Characteristics of Alexandrite Lasers In Q-Switched And Tuned Operations

C. L. Sam; J. C. Walling; H. P. Jenssen; R. C. Morris; E. W. O'Dell

doi:10.1117/12.959391

31 October 1980 Characteristics of Alexandrite Lasers In Q-Switched And Tuned Operations

C. L. Sam, J. C. Walling, H. P. Jenssen, R. C. Morris, E. W. O'Dell

Proceedings Volume 0247, Advances in Laser Engineering and Applications; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959391
Event: 24th Annual Technical Symposium, 1980, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Alexandrite is a laser crystal which is unique in that it is broadly tunable, is four-level, and has a long storage time making Q-switched operation possible. In addition the crystal is surpassed only by ruby in desirable strength and thermal properties of all practical laser crystals. A simple four-level model that describes the laser operation in alexandrite is presented. The terminal laser level in this model is a set of vibrational states well above the ground state. The initial laser level is a level 800 cm-1 above a long-lived storage level and in thermal equilibrium with it. Experimental results of Q-switched operation and tuned long pulse operation are presented, both as a function of temperature. In Q-switched operation, pulsewidths from 70 ns to 300 ns have been measured and laser efficiency increases with temperature. In tuned operation, the increase in gain with temperature is accompanied by a shift of the tuning curve to the red. Both observations are consistent with the simple model. Some laser design parameters are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

C. L. Sam, J. C. Walling, H. P. Jenssen, R. C. Morris, and E. W. O'Dell "Characteristics of Alexandrite Lasers In Q-Switched And Tuned Operations", Proc. SPIE 0247, Advances in Laser Engineering and Applications, (31 October 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959391

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