Gain-grating analysis of a self-starting self-pumped phase-conjugate Nd:YAG loop resonator

We investigate both experimentally and theoretically the contribution of the different gain gratings in a self-starting self-pumped phase-conjugate Nd:YAG loop resonator. Thanks to a transient model, we show that the transmission-grating configuration is more efficient than the reflection-grating co...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE journal of quantum electronics 1998-03, Vol.34 (3), p.465-472
Main Authors: Sillard, P., Brignon, A., Huignard, J.-P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Diffraction gratings
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Interference
Laser excitation
Laser optical systems: design and operation
Nonlinear optics
Optical coupling
Optical reflection
Optical resonators
Optics
Phase conjugation, optical mixing, and photorefractive effect
Phase conjugation, optical mixing
photorefractive and kerr effects
Physics
Polarization
Pulse amplifiers
Pulse shaping methods
Reflectivity
Resonators, cavities, amplifiers, arrays, and rings
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We investigate both experimentally and theoretically the contribution of the different gain gratings in a self-starting self-pumped phase-conjugate Nd:YAG loop resonator. Thanks to a transient model, we show that the transmission-grating configuration is more efficient than the reflection-grating configuration, and that their temporal dynamics are different, in agreement with the experiment. Maximum extraction is obtained for the four-grating configuration. The output beam is a high-quality diffraction-limited TEM/sub 00/ mode, even with severe intracavity phase aberrations, and has a single-longitudinal-mode pulse shape of /spl sim/13 ns, with maximum energy of /spl sim/130 mJ up to 30 Hz. We also investigate the role of the output coupler reflectivity on the output pulse energy and formation. Finally, the influence of the different gratings on the ability of such a self-starting loop resonator to correct for polarization distorsions is studied.
ISSN:0018-9197
1558-1713
DOI:10.1109/3.661454