Abstract

Alexandrite laser research and development at Allied-Signal is now at a stage in whch a great deal of effort is directed towards specific programs. Lasers are being developed for LIDAR, isotope separation, atmospheric transmission diagnostics, illumination and other applications with improved performance in a number of laser parameters including linewidth and wavelength control, efficiency, repetition rate, beam quality, lifetime, energy per pulse and power. These advances have been realized by utilizing progress in pump chambers, resonator design, pumping uniformity, lamp efficiency (both with electrical and photon efficiency increases), Faraday rotators, absorption model codes, and convective cooled pump chambers. Several examples will be given of these laser performance improvements along with indications of what is expected in the near future.

© 1987 Optical Society of America