title: Dynamic optical path distortions in laser rods.
abstract: Measurements were made of the thermally induced distortions occurring in laser rods as a result of flash lamp heating. Time-resolved interferograms were obtained by placing the sample in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and utilizing a Q-switched laser as the interferometer-illumination source. It was observed that significant distortions occur during the pumping pulse leading to diverging-lens effects in the sample rods.
authors.affiliation: TRG Inc., a subsidiary of Control Data Corporation, Route 110, Melville, New York 11749, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Sims
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roth