title: Quantum noise measurements in a continuous-wave laser-diode-pumped Nd:YAG saturated amplifier.
abstract: We present measurements of the power noise due to optical amplification in a Nd:YAG free-space traveling-wave amplifier as the amplifier transitions from the linear regime into the heavily saturated regime. The quantum noise behavior is demonstrated by saturating the gain of a 100-W class zigzag slab amplifier with a high-power beam and measuring the power noise detected by a single-spatial-mode probe beam traversing the same optical path through the amplifier.
authors.affiliation: E. L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. saraf@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Shally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saraf
authors.forename: Karel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Urbanek
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Byer
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: King