Abstract

A novel interferometric configuration incorporating both a Michelson and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer was used to measure transient effects due to thermal loading in glass. Single pass (Mach-Zehnder) and double pass (Michelson) data confirmed a constant relationship which would permit use of the most convenient real-time diagnostic configuration. Surface and bulk data indicated a means of extracting refractive index information from total optical path difference (OPD) due to transient thermal effects in a lasing solid-state medium. In addition, we isolated and identified difficulties inherent in adapting these techniques for diagnostic purposes in conjunction with high power solid-state lasers.

© 1996 Optical Society of America