title: Long-pulse generation with a stable-relaxation-oscillation Nd:YLF laser.
abstract: A simple technique for long-pulse (0.2-2 microsec) generation with neodymium lasers has been demonstrated. Under the proper conditions, a normal-mode oscillator, operated in a single transverse mode, produces well-defined relaxation oscillations from which a single subpulse can be isolated for amplification. The characteristic subpulse temporal profile is ideal for saturated amplification without pulse shortening. Data are presented for a Nd:YLF system consisting of an oscillator followed by a 64-mm-long amplifier. Pulse energies in excess of 100 mJ were achieved with a small-signal gain of 630.
authors.affiliation: Schwartz Electro-Optics, Inc., 45 Winthrop Street, Concord, Massachusetts 01742, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Rines
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Moulton