Efficient, reliable, long-lifetime, diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser for space-based vegetation topographical altimetry.
A highly efficient, diode-pumped, Nd:YAG laser is described. The oscillator utilizes an unstable resonator design with a Gaussian reflectivity output coupler and a side-pumped zigzag slab gain medium. The laser produces 18-mJ, 10-ns pulses at a repetition rate of 242 Hz in a near-TEM00 mode with an optical efficiency of up to 14%. An extended performance test was recently concluded in which the transmitter operated at reduced output for more than 4.8 x 10(9) shots with no optical damage. Design criteria, beam quality, and lifetime data are presented.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 920, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA. barry@cornfed.gsfc.nasa.gov
Donald B
DB
Coyle
Richard B
RB
Kay
Paul R
PR
Stysley
Demetrios
D
Poulios