Abstract

The gain coefficient of Nd glass used in amplifiers for fusion lasers affects the staging and over-all performance. Significant improvements are possible by the development of improved glass compositions. We have evaluated a large number of new glasses for amplifier applications. Predictions of gain coefficient are based upon measurements of absorption and fluorescence spectra and decay properties combined with computer calculations of flashlamp pumping. The results for several silicate and phosphate glasses are in good agreement with the actual performance in a laser cavity. Since the information required for this evaluation can be obtained from small samples of the laser material, this considerably simplifies the comparison and selection of Nd glass for use in large laser amplifiers.

© 1976 Optical Society of America