Abstract

A ruby laser rod is used to map the distribution of light intensity generated by a flash lamp inside a cylindrical reflecting cavity. A fairly sharp focal region is found, but it is not at the expected location. The location of the real focal region, which is identified by minimum threshold and central lasing spot, is controlled by small changes in geometry. Energy conversion efficiency increases by about 40% when a laser rod is placed such that its center is coincident with the real focal region. A simple model is proposed to explain the motion of the lasing filament within the rod as the rod itself is moved within the sharply focused radiation field. A detailed test of this model shows good agreement with measurements.

© 1965 Optical Society of America

Evaluation of Specially Grown Ruby Laser Rods

E. W. Sucov
Appl. Opt. 4(9) 1107-1112 (1965)

Optical Properties and Laser Thresholds of Thirty-nine Ruby Laser Crystals

G. W. Dueker, C. M. Kellington, M. Katzmann, and J. G. Atwood
Appl. Opt. 4(1) 109-118 (1965)

Ē-Level Population of Ruby vs Pumping

V. Daneu, C. A. Sacchi, and O. Svelto
Appl. Opt. 4(7) 863-866 (1965)

Pump Energy Absorption in a Ruby Rod

G. Lampis, C. A. Sacchi, and O. Svelto
Appl. Opt. 3(12) 1467-1470 (1964)

On the Efficiency of Single and Multiple Elliptical Laser Cavities

C. Bowness
Appl. Opt. 4(1) 103-107 (1965)