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A High Energy 2-microns Laser for Multiple Lidar ApplicationsSolid-state 2-microns laser has been receiving considerable interest because of its eye-safe property and efficient diode pump operation, It has potential for multiple lidar applications to detect water vapor. carbon dioxide and winds. In this paper, we describe a 2-microns double pulsed Ho:Tm:YLF laser and end-pumped amplifier system. A comprehensive theoretical model has been developed to aid the design and optimization of the laser performance. In a single Q-switched pulse operation the residual energy stored in the Tm atoms will be wasted. However, in a double pulses operation mode, the residual energy stored in the Tm atoms will repopulate the Ho atoms that were depleted by the extraction of the first Q-switched pulse. Thus. the Tin sensitized Ho:YLF laser provides a unique advantage in applications that require double pulse operation, such as Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL). A total output energy of 146 mJ per pulse pair under Q-switch operation is achieved with as high as 4.8% optical to optical efficiency. Compared to a single pulse laser, 70% higher laser efficiency is realized. To obtain high energy while maintaining the high beam quality, a master-oscillator-power-amplifier 2-microns system is designed. We developed an end-pumped Ho:Tm:YLF disk amplifier. This amplifier uses two diode arrays as pump source. A non-imaging lens duct is used to couple the radiation from the laser diode arrays to the laser disk. Preliminary result shows that the efficiency of this laser can be as high as 3%, a factor of three increases over side-pump configuration. This high energy, highly efficient and high beam quality laser is a promising candidate for use in an efficient, multiple lidar applications.
Document ID
20010097169
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yu, Jirong
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Singh, Upendra N.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Barnes, James C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Barnes, Norman P.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Petros, Mulugeta
(Science and Technology Corp. Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 17, 2000
Publication Information
Publication: Lidar Remote Sensing for Industry and Environment Monitoring
Volume: 4153
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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