High energy microlaser and compact MOPA transmitter

Brian K. Brickeen; Dave Bernot; Eliot Geathers; Joseph Mosovsky

doi:10.1117/12.883247

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25 May 2011 High energy microlaser and compact MOPA transmitter

Brian K. Brickeen, Dave Bernot, Eliot Geathers, Joseph Mosovsky

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Proceedings Volume 8039, Laser Technology for Defense and Security VII; 80391A (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883247
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

A compact micro-oscillator incorporating a dual-bounce, grazing incidence gain module with a folded resonator cavity is presented. The gain module, previously developed for Nd:YVO4, is embodied in highly doped ceramic Nd:YAG to generate improved Q-switch performance while maintaining localized pump absorption. The cavity design utilizes a doubly folded optics path around the gain crystal to increase the intra-cavity mode for a more optimum overlap with the pump light volume produced by standard lensed laser diode bars. A modified CS-package diode mount is developed to facilitate the reduced size of the oscillator without sacrificing the ability to use a high-energy, side-pumping arrangement. The oscillator is combined with a high gain, high energy extraction VHGM amplifier to generate a transmitter source on the order of 50 mJ. Cooling for both the oscillator and amplifier modules is provided via a conductive path through the base of the package. Both devices are mounted on opposite sides of a phase-change cooling reservoir to enable self-contained, burst-mode operation. Beam shaping of the oscillator output, in preparation for injection into the amplifier, is contained in a small cut-away path on the reservoir side.

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Brian K. Brickeen, Dave Bernot, Eliot Geathers, and Joseph Mosovsky "High energy microlaser and compact MOPA transmitter", Proc. SPIE 8039, Laser Technology for Defense and Security VII, 80391A (25 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883247

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