Efficient, wavelength-tunable diode-pumped alexandrite laser systems offer the potential for a more versatile, satellite-based lidar source compared to fixed wavelength Nd:YAG systems and non-space compliant lamp-pumped alexandrite. In this paper, we develop a strategy to enable the high-energy operation required for atmospheric lidar based on an efficient diode-pumped Master-Oscillator Power-Amplifier (MOPA) system design. A novel multi-pass 'diamond' slab amplifier geometry is introduced alongside the experimental results of the world's first diode-pumped alexandrite amplifier producing a gain of 2.13 in a demonstration system. A diode-pumped Q-switched alexandrite oscillator is presented with a record-highest pulse energy of 3.80 mJ. Detailed optimisation of a two-stage amplifier design is studied numerically and maximised with temperature, wavelength and pump pulse duration to produce 50 mJ pulse energy. This forms part of an optimised alexandrite MOPA design capable of high pulse energy, showing the future potential of diode-pumped alexandrite for satellite-based atmospheric lidar.
High pulse energy, low-alignment sensitivity master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) systems enable portable long range laser devices. Comprehensive amplifier modelling is an essential tool in producing efficient, optimised amplfication capable of producing high pulse energies. This paper outlines the development of a large-mode, low-alignment sensitivity neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) (MOPA) system, achieving a total output pulse energy of 265 mJ with an optical efficiency of 18%. A Q-switched diode-pumped Nd:YAG zig-zag oscillator is developed with an output pulse energy of 98 mJ and slope efficiency of 31%. Through the use of an intracavity aperture, the beam quality exhibited an M2 of 4.3 and 4.6 and far field divergence of 1.3 mrad and 1.2 mrad in the horizontal and vertical, respectively. The oscillator output is amplified within a diode-pumped Nd:YAG zig-zag amplifier with a system amplification of 2.8. Comprehensive amplifier modelling based on a Frantz-Nodvik analysis is demonstrated, with the saturation characteristics suggesting a route to further energy enhancement and highlighting the necessity for amplifier modelling in high energy system design.
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