The CW optically pumped 12.08 micron Raman laser - Theory and experiments for high power-conversion efficiency
Abstract
A model is developed to predict the performance of the continuous-wave CO2-pumped 12.08 micron NH3 laser which is operated by a two-photon or Raman-like process. The local gain and pump absorption are determined from a two-wave three-level treatment based on the density matrix formalism. A ring cavity configuration is considered and interaction of the two intensities inside the cavity are described using coupled wave equations. The subsequent 12.08 micron output intensity is calculated for a wide range of operational parameters (injected pump intensity, NH3 gas pressure, pump frequency offset, gain length, output coupling, etc.). For a well optimized system, power-conversion efficiencies of 10-30 percent should be realistically obtained by pumping with a conventional CW CO2 laser. Experiments illustrating the major conclusions are described.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- November 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1109/JQE.1983.1071775
- Bibcode:
- 1983IJQE...19.1654J
- Keywords:
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- Continuous Wave Lasers;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- High Power Lasers;
- Infrared Lasers;
- Optical Pumping;
- Raman Lasers;
- Ammonia;
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Gas Lasers;
- Laser Cavities;
- Laser Outputs;
- Power Gain;
- Lasers and Masers