Project Title:

High Power, High Repetition Rate, Diode-Pumped, Solid State Laser Transmitter

08.01-0755
902044
High Power, High Repetition Rate, Diode-Pumped, Solid State Laser Transmitter

Abstract:

A high power, efficient, robust laser transmitter, needed for topographic measurements
from remote space platforms, is the goal of this project. This project describes
the design, construction, and characterization of a prototype laser that will meet
or the laser. The laser will generate pulses of 1.047 um light having energy greater
than 1mJ at a repetition rate up to 1 KHz. The pulse length will be 10 + 5 ns to
provide a spatial resolution of approximately 3 meters as required by topographic
measurements. A novel feature of this laser is that it will use one of the new 15
Watt laster diode bars in an efficient, end pumped configuration. This feature will
permit the laser to be very compact and easily scalable to higher powers as the diode
laser bars continue to increase in output power. Also, this laster will employ an
acousto-optic Q-switch which will allow repetition rates greater than 50 kHz at reduced
pulse energy.
High power, Q-switched lasers have applications in the areas of micro-machining,
printed circuit component trimming, and efficient harmonic generation for laser sources
in the visible spectrum. The laser will also function as roughly a 3 Watt CW source
since the 1 kHz repetition rate will require a CW pumping arrangement.
laser, diode-pumping, Q-switch, Nd:YAG, micro-machining