Optical free induction decay (OFID) 10 micron CO2 laser systems

This paper describes new improved and reliable optical free induction decay (OFID) picosecond-pulse CO2-10 micron laser systems, differing mainly in the pump laser and in the peak power of the generated pulses. In this context a single-mode TEA-CO2-10 micron laser preionized by a novel surface-coron...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Infrared physics 1992-01, Vol.33 (2), p.73-112
Main Authors: Kaelin, A W, Kesselring, R, Cao, Hongru, Kneubuehl, F K
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This paper describes new improved and reliable optical free induction decay (OFID) picosecond-pulse CO2-10 micron laser systems, differing mainly in the pump laser and in the peak power of the generated pulses. In this context a single-mode TEA-CO2-10 micron laser preionized by a novel surface-corona discharge was developed. Improved plasma shutters operate as optical switches at variable gas pressures. They are triggered either by a laser-produced surface plasma or by an electrical high voltage discharge. With respect to the first trigger scheme new target materials for the surface plasma generation, i.e., metallized graphites, are found. In the second scheme the electrical discharge is initiated by the TEA-laser pulse via a newlaser-triggered spark gap. An electronic control completes the system as reliable working tool. Each of the OFID laser systems developed is capable to produce 10 micron pulses with a duration of 30-300 ps. Numerical calculations are performed to estimate the influence of various parameters on pulse shape and duration. (Author)
ISSN:0020-0891