Abstract
Design considerations are discussed for a simple, easy to use and relatively efficient high gain dye laser amplifier chain for CW mode-locked dye lasers. The amplifier boosts theooutput of a synchronously mode-locked dye laser to obtain - 0.5 mj, ≤ 1 psec pulses over a - 400 Å bandwidth. These pulses are suitable for efficient Raman Shifting, frequency mixing and continuum generation to vastly extend the spectral range of the system. Our amplifier is pumped by a frequency doubled Nd: YAG oscillator only, which longitudinally pumps three identical brewster cells with the same flowing dye solution in each. Contrary to popular belief, high small signal gains (≥ 105) are easily attained in a single stage with longitudinal pumping, with better beam homogeneity and easier alignment than transverse pumping. Gain saturation measurements are presented which agree well with calculations. Factors which relax the pump timing sensitivity are examined. The importance of gain saturation for both efficient amplification and for amplitude stability is also discussed. The need for isolated amplifier stages is stressed and optimal amplifier cell areas for a given stage are calculated.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 52-58 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
| Volume | 322 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 23 1982 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Computer Science Applications
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering