Nd:YAG development for spaceborne laser ranging system
Abstract
The results of the development of a unique modelocked laser device to be utilized in future NASA space-based, ultraprecision laser ranger systems are summarized. The engineering breadboard constructed proved the feasibility of the pump-pulsed, actively modelocked, PTM Q-switched Nd:YAG laser concept for the generation of subnanosecond pulses suitable for ultra-precision ranging. The laser breadboard also included a double-pass Nd:YAG amplifier and provision for a Type II KD*P frequency doubler. The specific technical accomplishment was the generation of single 150 psec, 20-mJ pulses at 10 pps at a wavelength of 1.064 micrometers with 25 dB suppression of pre-and post-pulses.
- Publication:
-
Final Report
- Pub Date:
- February 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979ilsi.rept.....H
- Keywords:
-
- Laser Range Finders;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Rangefinding;
- Systems Engineering;
- Yag Lasers;
- Design Analysis;
- Engineering Drawings;
- Laser Ranger/Tracker;
- Performance;
- Q Switched Lasers;
- Lasers and Masers