Diode-pumped, 2-micron, q-switched tm:YAG microchip laser
Date of Award
2011
Degree Name
M.S. in Electro-Optics
Department
Department of Electro-Optics
Advisor/Chair
Advisor: Peter E. Powers
Abstract
In this report we discuss the design, simulation, construction, and characterization of an actively Q-switched, diode-pumped solid state laser operating at 2 μm. The laser cavity has a microchip" configuration and uses a 6% thulium-doped YAG crystal as the lasing medium. In continuous wave mode, we achieve output powers of up to 450 mW with a slope efficiency of 9.5%. Using an acousto-optic Q-switch, the laser was run in pulsed mode at an average power of 42 mW and a pulse rate of 1.66 kHz. Pulse duration was approximately 400 ns with a pulse energy of 25 μJ. The center wavelength was 2.019 μm with a linewidth of <0.045 nm. Additionally, a design is presented for replacing the active Q-switch with a chromium-doped zinc selenide crystal acting as a saturable absorber passive Q-switch. Finally, we will propose possible future modifications to the laser system design to improve its performance, ruggedness and compactness, and to broaden its functionality."
Keywords
Solid-state lasers Design and construction, Solid-state lasers Materials, Rare earth lasers, Pulse-duration modulation, Microelectronics Research
Rights Statement
Copyright © 2011, author
Recommended Citation
Phelps, Charles D., "Diode-pumped, 2-micron, q-switched tm:YAG microchip laser" (2011). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 395.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/395