FIRL: simulations of methanol laser output power

Michael Raum

doi:10.1117/12.361064

9 September 1999 FIRL: simulations of methanol laser output power

Michael Raum

Proceedings Volume 3828, Terahertz Spectroscopy and Applications II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.361064
Event: Industrial Lasers and Inspection (EUROPTO Series), 1999, Munich, Germany

Abstract

In airborne heterodyne receivers for remote sensing of the OH radical in the stratosphere, optically pumped methanol gas lasers on the 2.523 THz line ar used as local oscillators. In order to optimize their performance, a new simulation concept has been developed and is described here. A standard design procedure for SMMW ring lasers using a focusing mirror for optical pump beam guiding is sketched briefly. To make computations easier, the pump radiation distribution is averaged along the resonator. Using a quantum mechanical approach, a SMMW laser process model which takes into account the ac Stark effect, the Maxwell distribution and the Doppler effect can be derived. Transversal profile so pump and SMMW intensity, absorption and gain coefficient, vibrational and physical temperature serve as a base for the determination of the SMMW laser output power. Based on this model, a computer program named FIRL has been developed. Computed result obtained with the program are presented and consequences for construction of SMMW lasers are discussed. Two laser prototypes have been built and demonstrate good agreement of simulated and measured results, indicating that the described program is a qualified CAD tool for methanol laser development.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Raum "FIRL: simulations of methanol laser output power", Proc. SPIE 3828, Terahertz Spectroscopy and Applications II, (9 September 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.361064

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