RESUMO
A quantitative assessment of the bulk-darkening phenomenon for flux-grown KTiOPO(4) is reported. Measurements were made for KTiOPQ(4) use as a component for second-harmonic generation of 1064-nm Nd:YAG radiation operating in a pulsed mode. The results show that the bulk-darkening severity increases with fluence and exposure time. Irreversible bulk darkening has been observed at laser energies ranging from 8.8 to 18 J/cm(2) depending on the shot count. Fluences exceeding 15 J/cm(2) can cause catastrophic damage. Data taken at elevated temperatures indicate an improved reliability. The onset of slight bulk darkening revealed no adverse effects on conversion efficiency.
RESUMO
This paper reports on efforts to correlate two commercially oriented laser damage tests. The two test facilities are located at Hughes Aircraft Co. and Montana Laser Optics*. A variety of coated laser optics have been tested in different test conditions and the damage levels compared. The test parameters varied were transverse modal content, spot size, sample conditioning history and, to a lesser degree, pulse width. The accumulated results were correlated by ascertaining the existence of a high probability functional relationship (linear fit) between pairs of damage levels for the same optics in different test conditions. A strong correlation was found between samples tested with the same irradiance history, regardless of the modal content and pulse width. Comparisons of the samples of different irradiance conditioning history were found not to correlate in general.
RESUMO
The crossed Porro prism configuration improves the stability of the alignment of the laser resonator; however, the resultant phase shift alters the characteristics of the electrooptical Q-switch. An analysis of the operational characteristics, such as variable outcoupling, extinction ratio, and prelasing boundaries, is presented along with experimental data. An electrooptically Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a crossed Porro prism resonator, which successfully withstands severe physical environments, has been developed and demonstrated.
