Comprehensive study of electro-optic and passive Q-switching in solid state lasers for altimeter applications

Atul Bhardwaj; Lalita Agrawal; Suranjan Pal; Anil Kumar

doi:10.1117/12.694119

Abstract

Laser Science and Technology Center (LASTEC), Delhi, is developing a space qualified diode pumped Nd: YAG laser transmitter capable of generating 10 ns pulses of 30 mJ energy @ 10 pps. This paper presents the results of experiments for comparative studies between electro-optic and passively Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in a crossed porro prism based laser resonator. Experimental studies have been performed by developing an economical bench model of flash lamp pumped Nd: YAG laser (rod dimension, &nullset; 3 X 50 mm). Electro-optic (EO) and Passive Q-switching were performed employing LiNbO₃ crystal (9 x 9 x 25 mm) and Cr: YAG (7 &nullset; 10 mm) saturable absorber respectively. Laser output of 30 mJ was achieved in EO Q-switching mode by optimizing Pockels cell operation. More than 80 % Q-switching efficiency was achieved. However, at the same input level in passive Q-switching mode at optimized initial transmission of Cr: YAG, only 36% efficiency could be achieved. Comparative studies were made for output pulse energy at different input levels. In passive Q-switched mode, deviation from the optimum flash lamp input either stops the lasing action or leads to multiple pulsing. Thus in view of the very stringent requirements of reliability and efficiency of space-based system, the electro-optical method of Q-switching has been adopted in the design.

Citation Download Citation

Atul Bhardwaj, Atul Bhardwaj, Lalita Agrawal, Lalita Agrawal, Suranjan Pal, Suranjan Pal, Anil Kumar, Anil Kumar, "Comprehensive study of electro-optic and passive Q-switching in solid state lasers for altimeter applications", Proc. SPIE 6409, Lidar Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring VII, 64091D (12 December 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.694119; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.694119

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $14.40

Non-members: $18.00 ADD TO CART

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years