Figure of merit for some pulse laser applications
Abstract
A figure of merit is reported for some pulse laser applications. It is based on the ratio of the brightness and the spectral width. The figure of merit is defined for several applications, including: (1) radar communications, where the figure of merit is determined by the signal-to-noise ratio, (2) nonlinear optics, (3) interferometry and holography, (4) focusing and plasma heating, (5) light scattering diagnostics, (6) optical pumping, (7) absorption line spectroscopy, and (8) laser photochemistry, isotope separation, and nonlinear spectroscopy. It is concluded that for most applications, spectral brightness expresses the figure of merit for a laser source.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- June 1978
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1978IJQE...14..409H
- Keywords:
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- Figure Of Merit;
- Laser Applications;
- Light Sources;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Brightness;
- Holography;
- Nonlinear Optics;
- Optical Pumping;
- Plasma Heating;
- Pulse Duration;
- Radar Equipment;
- Radiation Chemistry;
- Spectral Line Width;
- Spectroscopy;
- Lasers and Masers