The properties and oscillation characteristics of very long cw xenon lasers are discussed and pertinent long laser experiments described. High-gain 3.508-microm xenon laser amplifiers were used in these experiments. Laser cavity lengths of up to 30 km were studied. Spectrum analyses revealed complex oscillation spectra exhibiting the characteristics of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous laser mode structures. Long laser Doppler experiments, Q-switching studies, and modulation experiments were performed. Applications to atmospheric pollution detection are discussed.
Large aperture harmonic conversion experiments to 2 omega (532 nm), 3 omega (355 nm), and 4 omega (266 nm) on the Argus laser at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are described. Harmonically converted energies of up to 346 J have been generated at external conversion efficiencies of 83%. A discussion of the harmonic conversion experiments and a brief summary of enhanced 2 omega and 3 omega inertial confinement fusion target performances are provided.
The oscillation characteristics and dynamics of Nd:YAG long lasers are described. Nd:YAG laser cavities ranging in length from 1 m to over 6.3 km were constructed and operated. The development of laser oscillation, power output, active angular fields, and resonances of the circulating optical flux were monitored. Although Nd:YAG is a homogeneously broadened laser amplifier, the Nd:YAG long laser exhibited characteristics of inhomogeneously broadened lasers of conventional lengths. A dynamical resonance was observed and identified as a resonance between the laser amplifier pumping rate and the stimulated emission rate.
An experimental investigation has been made on plasma closure in pinholes irradiated by Nd glass laser pulses; 300micro500-microm diam pinholes of various materials and thicknesses have been irradiated by 20-100-J 300-psec FWHM pulses on the Janus laser system. Calorimetry measurements have yielded data on pinhole energy transmission and intensity loading on the periphery of the pinhole. Ultrafast streak photography measurements indicate effective closure velocities of 2-5 x 10(7) cm/sec. Scattered light measurements have shown the transmission loss through a typical spatial filter configuration to be primarily refractive in nature.
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