600-mJ, double-pulse 2-microm laser.
An efficient double-pulse Ho:Tm:YLF 2-microm laser with total Q-switched output energy of 600 mJ has been demonstrated. A double-pulse pair is obtained per pump pulse. By operation of the laser in a double-pulse format, the residual energy stored among the Tm ions is transferred to the Ho atoms that were de-excited by the extraction of the first Q-switched pulse. Thus, the overall laser efficiency is increased by 61%.
Yu
Jirong
J
NASA Langley Research Center, Laser & Electro-Optics Branch, MS 468, Hampton, Virginia 23681, USA. jirong.yu@larc.nasa.gov
Braud
Alain
A
Petros
Mulugeta
M