Abstract

A compact, diode-laser seeded, frequency-doubled-Nd:YAG-laser pumped, and high-pulse-energy Ti:Sapphire laser at a pulse repetition frequency of 30 Hz and a infrared (IR) wavelength of 867 nm has been developed. The pulse energy of 115 mJ was achieved with a desired laser beam quality and a pump-to-output optical energy conversion efficiency of 30%. Two Lithium Triborate (LBO) crystals were utilized to generate its third harmonic at 289 nm, which is an on-line wavelength of an airborne ozone differential absorption lidar (DIAL). The ultraviolet (UV) output pulse energy at 289 nm is more than 30mJ and the energy conversion efficiency from an IR input pulse at 867 nm to an UV output pulse at 289 nm is about 30%.

© 2001 Optical Society of America