| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 734669 | Optics & Laser Technology | 2008 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
A diode-pumped, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser employing a dual-pump zig-zag slab head scheme in an unstable resonator configuration for use in space-based planetary altimetry or atmospheric LIDAR is described. The pump heads are aligned orthogonally to each other, producing a symmetric overall thermal lens that eliminates the need for an intracavity cylindrical lens and aperture. This laser has demonstrated over 100 mJ in Q-switched operation with high optical efficiency (24%), good beam quality, high pointing stability, and large operational margins for multi-billion shot lifetimes.
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Authors
Paul R. Stysley, Demetrios Poulios, Donald B. Coyle, Richard B. Kay,