Optical resonators and the quality of high-energy-laser beams
Abstract
Factors affecting the quality of a laser beam are discussed and illustrated with diagrams and graphs in a general survey. The fundamental principles of laser emission are reviewed; the properties of stable and unstable resonators are compared; the aerooptical effects of density gradients in the laser medium and in the atmosphere are considered; and it is pointed out that the beam polarization and spatial and temporal intensity distributions are often major factors limiting the focusability and applicability of the laser. The laser brightness levels needed to achieve the target intensities required for applications in materials processing (10 to the 6th - 10 to the 10th W/sr), controlled fusion (10 to the 17th - 10 to the 21st W/sr) and SDI-type weapons (10 to the 20th 10 to the 24th W/sr for a target at 1000 km) are compared with those currently obtainable with Nd:YAG, CO2, and excimer lasers.
- Publication:
-
DFVLR
- Pub Date:
- November 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986DFVLR........8B
- Keywords:
-
- High Power Lasers;
- Lasing;
- Light Beams;
- Optical Resonators;
- Atmospheric Optics;
- Brightness;
- Excimer Lasers;
- Laser Stability;
- Polarization Characteristics;
- Lasers and Masers