G. Anstett

Generation of Powerful Tunable Mid-Infrared Picosecond Laser Radiation Using Frequency Conversion in Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate

The generation of tunable mid-infrared picosecond laser radiation in the spectral range from 3-5µm by nonlinear frequency conversion in PPLN is reported. More than 3W output power at 3µm and 1W at 4.5µm were achieved.

MIR-generation with short and ultra short laser pulses using frequency conversion in periodically poled Lithium niobate

The generation of tunable mid-infrared (MIR) laser radiation in the spectral range from 4 μm to 5 μm by nonlinear frequency-conversion of laser pulses in periodically poled Lithium niobate (PPLN) is investigated. Results of several experiments including nanosecond-, picosecond- and femtosecond- laser systems are presented and the potential and limitations of PPLN as nonlinear material for the MIR frequency-conversion are discussed.

Powerful high repetition rate nanosecond optical parametric generator in MgO:PPLN tunable from 3.5 μm to 4.6 μm

We report on a nanosecond MgO:PPLN OPG tunable in the MIR from 3.5 to 4.6 μm with an average output power of 600 mW at 3.8 μm and more than 100 mW at 4.6 μm.

Experimental investigation and numerical simulation of the spatio-temporal evolution of the laser pulses in Q-switched Nd:YAG-lasers

Summary form only given. We report on the two-dimensional measurement of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the pulse formation in Q-switched Nd:YAG-lasers. In our investigation we compare two different resonators. A positive-branch confocal unstable resonator with a gaussian variable reflectivity outcoupling mirror provides 7 ns pulses in a 8 mm beam with a pulse energy of up to 650 mJ and a near flat-top transverse intensity distribution. The second resonator consists of a stable cavity and a resonator-internal telescope. This system provides 10 ns pulses in a 4 mm beam and a pulse energy of 90 mJ. With an additional amplifier stage the pulse energy is increased up to 350 mJ. An internal mode-aperture discriminates high-order transverse modes, leading to a nearly gaussian transverse intensity distribution.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of the pulse formation in a pulsed ns optical parametric oscillator

Summary form only given. Nanosecond pulsed optical parametric oscillators (OPO) are powerful devices for the efficient generation of coherent light. For a comprehensive understanding of the transient behavior of the spatial properties of the OPO pulses it is essential to investigate the temporal dynamics of the interaction of pump, signal and idler waves. We report on the two-dimensional measurement of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the pulse formation in ns OPOs. In the experimental investigations we used a signal resonant type-I phase matched BaB/sub 2/O/sub 4/ optical parametric oscillator with a plane-parallel cavity.

Efficient high repetition rate ns-OPO for the generation of continuously tunable UV radiation

Summary form only given. Pulsed tunable UV radiation is of interest for applications like CRD spectroscopy or detection of atmospheric trace gases with the LIDAR technique. In such applications the use of high repetition rate UV laser sources significantly improves the detection sensitivity. We report on an all solid-state laser system which meets the requirements in respect to tuning range, bandwidth, repetition rate and output power. The system consists of a frequency doubled BBO OPO pumped by the 3rd harmonic of a diode pumped kHz Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.