Project Title:
Low-Voltage Spaceborne Q-Switch
08.01-1802
910682
Low-Voltage Spaceborne Q-Switch
Schwartz Electro-Optics, Inc.
3404 North Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando
FL
32804
John G.
Daly
407-298-1802
GSFC
NAS5-31921
137
08.01-1802
910682
Abstract:
Low-Voltage Spaceborne Q-Switch
Diode-pumped, solid-state lasers will require small, low-voltage, reliable Q-Switch
devices. Compact high-energy lasers will have narrow beam waists necessitating components
with high resistance to optical damage. The company's extensive experience in electro-optic
devices has led to the development of LiNbO3. Its availability, optical quality,
high electro-optic coefficient, non-hygroscopicity, and low-voltage requirements
favor its selection as the leading candidate for spaceborne missions. In a small
package compatible with diode-pumped solid-state lasers, the quarter-wave voltage
can be as low as 168 volts. The only drawback to LiNbO3 is its susceptibility to
laser damage. Conventional anti-reflection, thin-film coatings provide resistance
to damage typically from 300 to 600 Megawatts/cm2. A new thin-film coating process
(Q-Plate) that has been successful on a number of optical coatings will be evaluated.
Damage threshold measurements and laser and performance testing in a new, space-compatible
Q-Switch mount will be conducted.
The laser industry has always suffered from reliability problems related to optical
damage. This normally defines the limits for laser systems. On its own merits, improvements
in the anti-reflection coating for LiNbO3 will benefit the entire industry and all
military laser systems.
Q-Switching, lasers, diode-pumped lasers, spaceborne lasers, lithium niobate