Abstract
Recently, lasing action and subsequent optical parametric oscillation has been demonstrated inside a single crystal of Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 that is pumped by semiconductor diodes. This device, known as OPOL (Optical Parametric Oscillator/Laser), is a highly efficient, continuously tunable coherent optical source that can generate near and mid-IR wavelengths in a compact unit. An OPAL (Optical Parametric Amplifier/Laser) is a similar device that can amplify weak signals. AN OPOL can be used to generate eyesafe wavelengths whereas an OPAL can be used to amplify weak return signals, and in combination can provide eye-safe operation, effective range enhancement and wavelength agility in a range finder. The AN/GVS-5 is a hand-held range finder that is powered by a 24 V dc battery, and uses a flash lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm for its operation to provide a maximum range of 10 km. In this paper, the design of a battery operated OPOL and OPAL is presented, and their application in retrofitting the AN/GVS5 unit to provide eyesafe and wavelength agile operation is discussed.
