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.
Laser irradiation at fluences below the damage threshold level of antireflection-coated BK7 (grade A borosilicate crown glass) samples temporarily increases the measured laser-induced damage threshold by about 40%. Because the surface damage threshold is sensitive to the irradiation history, it is necessary to control the test procedure to ensure reproducible and accurate measurements. Preliminary results indicate that adsorption of water is a principal factor involved in the deactivation of the conditioning enhanced laser damage thresholds.
Solar Blind Ultraviolet (SBUV) communication techniques have promise to address the military's needs for short range applications where non4ine-ofsight (NLOS) and a low probability of interception and detection (LPI/LPD) is required. This paper will address the general requirements for these systems and will discuss an example system developed using a compact quadrupled Nd:YAG laser.
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.
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