Experimental and theoretical investigations into high power Q-switched Nd (3+) crystal lasers
Abstract
A system was constructed for the efficient short pulse pumping of a Nd(+3) YALO laser by prepulsing a flashlamp before the main discharge pumping pulse. A new method of flashlamp triggering was incorporated into this system. In the prepulse mode of operation, using an elliptical pumping cavity with one wide diameter 10 mm rare-gas filled flashlamp, xenon pumping was found superior to krypton pumping above the 35 joule input level. An improved laser efficiency was obtained when the flashlamp was prepulsed. An investigation of the Nd(+3) 4f3 multiplet splittings in YAG was undertaken on the basis of a ligand point-charge model. A fit between optical data and calculated splittings of 20 energy levels of different multiplets was made. Some of the methods and results of the crystal field calculations were then used to estimate the feasibility of electric quadrupole shifting of the levels responsible for the 1.064 micron emission in Nd(+3) YAG.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976PhDT........24M
- Keywords:
-
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Q Switched Lasers;
- Crystals;
- Energy Levels;
- Fine Structure;
- Flash Lamps;
- Ions;
- Krypton;
- Optical Pumping;
- Xenon;
- Yag Lasers;
- Solid-State Physics