Proceedings Article | 1 May 2014
Proc. SPIE. 9135, Laser Sources and Applications II
KEYWORDS: Nd:YAG lasers, Laser systems engineering, Mirrors, Laser crystals, Ions, Absorption, Water, Crystals, Eye, Output couplers
The aim of this study was design and construction of a Nd:YAG laser system allowing laser generation in the nearinfrared
region at three separate switchable wavelengths 1.06, 1.32, or 1.44 μm. This integrated multi-wavelength laser
system can be useful for application especially in medicine and spectroscopy. We used 1.1 at. % Nd/Y doped Nd:YAG
active medium 4 x 102 mm in dimensions with anti-reflection coated faces for 1.06, 1.32, and 1.44 μm. The laser crystal
was placed along Xe flashlamp into the diffuse pump cavity (the pump pulse duration was 800 μs FWHM). The laser
system was formed by six mirrors including one output coupler, three rear mirrors, and two dichroic mirrors. These
dichroic mirrors were specially designed and their characteristics were as follow: HR/T @ 1440/1320 and 1064 nm and
HR/T @ 1320/1064 nm. The output coupler reflectivity was 17 %, 80 %, and 82 %, for 1.06, 1.32, and 1.44 μm
wavelengths, respectively. Particular laser Nd:YAG line selection was realized by adequate shutters. The output laser
characteristics in terms of output energy, spatial beam structure, and temporal profile were recorded. For 62 J pumping
energy, the obtained output energies were 0.80 J, 0.45 J, and 0.19 J, for 1.06, 1.32, and 1.44 μm wavelengths,
respectively. Specific absorption properties of the designed wavelengths in water and water vapor together with the
sufficient reached energy predetermine this compact Nd:YAG laser system for utilization in medical and industry
applications.
