Satellite-based remote sensing using laser-based lidar techniques provides a powerful tool for global 3-D mapping of atmospheric species (e.g. CO2, ozone, clouds, aerosols), physical attributes of the atmosphere (e.g. temperature, wind speed), and spectral indicators of Earth features (e.g. vegetation, water). Such information provides a valuable source for weather prediction, understanding of climate change, atmospheric science and health of the Earth eco-system. Similarly, laser-based altimetry can provide high precision ground topography mapping and more complex 3-D mapping (e.g. canopy height profiling). The lidar technique requires use of cutting-edge laser technologies and engineered designs that are capable of enduring the space environment over the mission lifetime. The laser must operate with suitably high electrical-to-optical efficiency and risk reduction strategy adopted to mitigate against laser failure or excessive operational degradation of laser performance.
We report the highest average power modelocking using the nonlinear mirror (NLM) technique of a novel bounce
geometry laser with excellent beam quality. A diode-side pumped Nd:YVO4 slab lasing at 1064nm was used in a
bounce-oscillator configuration employing a stigmatic spatial TEM00 design. Incorporation of a type-I phase-matched
BiBO nonlinear crystal (NLC) in a NLM configuration produced 12W of self-starting, continuous-wave (CW)
modelocking with pulse duration 14ps and repetition rate 110MHz. This is the highest power recorded using the NLM
technique and was operated with high long-term stability. The system exploits the capacity of NLM modelocking over
SESAM modelocking, for sustaining higher average and peak powers without onset of optical damage occurring.
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