Design and Development of Intracavity Optical Parametric Oscillator-based Eye Safe Laser Operating at 20 Hz without Forced Air Cooling

  • Atul Bhardwaj Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
  • Lalita Agrawal Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
  • A. K. Maini Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.5759
Keywords: Eye safe wavelength, intracavity optical parametric oscillator, diode pumped solid state laser, electro-optic Q-switching

Abstract

In this paper we report the design and development of an electro-optically Q-switched diode pumped Nd:YAG laser with intracavity optical parametric oscillator, generating ~ 5 ns laser pulses of ~8 mJ energy at eye safe wavelength of 1534 nm. A Z-shaped laser resonator has been designed with porro prism end reflector in Q-switch arm containing RTP Q-Switch and a suitably oriented waveplate. The gain arm consists of a Ø3 x 72 mm Nd: YAG laser rod, pumped from one side by 3 x 5 bar laser diode array stack emitting total optical peak power of 740 W at 804 nm at 38 °C. Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) have been employed to maintain the optimum temperature of laser diode arrays and the combined heat load from the pump chamber and TECs is distributed over the system base plate with embedded heat pipes. Such cooling mechanism has eliminated the requirement of fins and fans in the laser system. Eye safe radiation is out-coupled through intra cavity KTA OPO (5 x 5 x 20 mm3) placed in the gain arm. Laser was operated at 20 Hz for several duty cycles of 10 min on and 10 min off and output energy remained stable within ±0.5 mJ without any forced air/liquid cooling.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(6), pp.599-605, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.5759

Author Biographies

Atul Bhardwaj, Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
Mr Atul Bhardwaj completed his BSc (H) Physics in 1996 and m.Sc. Physics in 1998 from university of Delhi. he is working as Scientist at Laser Science & Technology centre (LASTEc), Delhi. his current research interests include analytical and experimental studies on Q-switched diode pumped Solid State Lasers and nonlinear optical phenomenon.
Lalita Agrawal, Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
Ms Lalita Agrawal completed her BSc (h) Physics and mSc (Phy.) with electronics from university of Delhi in 1985 and 1987 respectively. Currently she is working as Scientist at LASTEc, Delhi and heading the Solid State Laser Group. She has more than 24 years of experience in the design and development of various types of Solid State Lasers.
A. K. Maini, Laser Science & Technology Centre, Delhi
Dr Anil K. Maini working as an Outstanding Scientist & Director of Laser Science & Technology centre (LASTEc), Delhi. He has more than 35 years of R&D experience in diverse disciplines related to Electronics, Lasers and Optoelectronics technologies and systems. He is Life Fellow of Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) and a senior life member of Indian Laser Association (ILA). he has authored and co-authored twelve books. He has to his credit six patents (granted and filed) and more than 125 publications in National and International journals.
Published
2013-12-18
How to Cite
Bhardwaj, A., Agrawal, L., & Maini, A. (2013). Design and Development of Intracavity Optical Parametric Oscillator-based Eye Safe Laser Operating at 20 Hz without Forced Air Cooling. Defence Science Journal, 63(6), 599-605. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.5759
Issue
Vol 63 No 6: Optical and Electro-Optical Instrumentation
Section
Special Issue Papers
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