Negative-branch unstable resonator Nd:YAG laser
Abstract
The results of an experimental investigation of the performance characteristics of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser utilizing a negative-branch unstable resonator are presented. Measurements indicate that near diffraction-limited beam quality has been attained with a system in the rangefinder/designator energy category. In a performance comparison with a conventional parallel-plane mirror resonator, the unstable resonator was found to produce equally efficient operation with greatly superior beam radiance and tolerance to mirror misalignment.
- Publication:
-
Applied Optics
- Pub Date:
- June 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1364/AO.15.001465
- Bibcode:
- 1976ApOpt..15.1465E
- Keywords:
-
- Laser Outputs;
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Optical Resonators;
- Q Switched Lasers;
- Yag Lasers;
- Laser Range Finders;
- Mirrors;
- Performance Tests;
- Pulsed Radiation;
- Systems Stability;
- Wave Diffraction;
- Lasers and Masers;
- LASERS: NEODYMIUM;
- RESONATORS