title: Negative-branch unstable resonator Nd:YAG laser.
abstract: The results of an experimental investigation of the performance characteristics of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser utilizing a negative-branch unstable resonator is presented. Measurements indicate that near diffraction-limited beam quality has been attained with a system in the rangefinder/designator energy category. In a performance comparison with a conventional parallel-plane mirror resonator, the unstable resonator was found to produce equally efficient operation with greatly superior beam radiance and tolerance to mirror misalignment.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Ewanizky
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Craig