A Modern Helium Cadmium Laser - The Evolution Of A Design

Mark W. Dowley

doi:10.1117/12.939741

10 April 1987 A Modern Helium Cadmium Laser - The Evolution Of A Design

Mark W. Dowley

Proceedings Volume 0741, Design of Optical Systems Incorporating Low Power Lasers; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939741
Event: OE LASE'87 and EO Imaging Symposium, 1987, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

The development of HeCd (helium cadmium) lasers with wavelengths at 442nm and 325nm is reviewed from the earliest commercial versions to the most recent developments. Particular emphasis is placed on design features introduced by LiCONiX, a developer and supplier of HeCd lasers for fifteen years. The early problems of short lifetime, power instabilities and high noise are discussed and the preferred solutions described in some detail. The emphasis is historical and leads to the design goals and the implementation thereof in the most recent HeCd laser, the LiCONiX model 4300. Although the detailed physics of the discharge is avoided, stress is placed on the multiparameter dependence of key operating specifications and useful advice for system designers is included. Some key applications are mentioned and the trend of future development of this unique laser indicated.

Citation Download Citation

Mark W. Dowley "A Modern Helium Cadmium Laser - The Evolution Of A Design", Proc. SPIE 0741, Design of Optical Systems Incorporating Low Power Lasers, (10 April 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.939741

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