SF/FAF Laser Oscillator/Amplifiers

S. T. Shah; W. M. Steen

doi:10.1117/12.941216

22 September 1987 SF/FAF Laser Oscillator/Amplifiers

S. T. Shah, W. M. Steen

Proceedings Volume 0801, High Power Lasers: Sources, Laser-Material Interactions, High Excitations, and Fast Dynamics; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.941216
Event: Fourth International Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Sciences and Engineering, 1987, The Hague, Netherlands

Abstract

There are two major requirements in laser design; sufficient power and correct mode structure. In the design of higher powered lasers the mode structure may suffer. Current designs are often based upon coupled cavities, in which a basic laser module is joined to another to make a single vacuum, optical cavity system. Examples of such an arrangement are the latest Ferranti CLL10, UTRC 25kW and the older Spectra Physics 5kW lasers. An alternative approach is to couple two or more lasers as an oscillator/amplifier system. The results of joining two Fast Axial Flow (FAF) lasers in this way have been discussed previously (1). This paper discusses some results from the coupling of a slow flow (SF) laser oscillator having a near Gaussian mode structure to a FAF amplifier. The result was a more powerful beam with a similar near Gaussian mode. The possibilit ies for laser design and mode engineering by this technique are illustrated by reference to cutting and welding experiments.

Citation Download Citation

S. T. Shah and W. M. Steen "SF/FAF Laser Oscillator/Amplifiers", Proc. SPIE 0801, High Power Lasers: Sources, Laser-Material Interactions, High Excitations, and Fast Dynamics, (22 September 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.941216

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