Frequency conversion concepts for the efficient generation of high power 935 - 942 nm laser radiation

H. Rhee; T. Riesbeck; F. Kallmeyer; S. Strohmaier; H. J. Eichler; R. Treichel; K. Petermann

doi:10.1117/12.646263

10 February 2006 Frequency conversion concepts for the efficient generation of high power 935 to 942-nm laser radiation

H. Rhee, T. Riesbeck, F. Kallmeyer, S. Strohmaier, H. J. Eichler, R. Treichel, K. Petermann

Proceedings Volume 6103, Nonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications V; 610308 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.646263
Event: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2006, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

The three-dimensional measurement of the global water vapor distribution in the atmosphere considerably improves the reliability of the weather forecast and climate modeling. A spaceborne Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is able to per-form this task by use of suitable absorption lines of the broad absorption spectrum of water vapor. Because no interference with the absorption of other molecules exists, the range of 935/936 nm, 942/943 nm are the most preferred wavelength ranges for a water vapor DIAL. The challenge is to develop a dedicated efficient high power laser source emitting at these wavelengths. The comparison between frequency converters based on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and Ti:Sapphire and the directly generated Mixed Garnet laser shows the favorable properties of each concept and helps to evaluate the most suitable concept. Development of Raman frequency converters for high pulse energies concentrates on linear resonator de-signs and seeding using the Raman material as a direct amplifier based on Raman four-wave-mixing. In addition a seeded and frequency stabilized pulsed Ti:Sapphire laser system with output pulses up to 22 mJ injection-seeded at the water vapor absorption line at 935.684 nm with a spectral purity up to 99.9 % has been developed. Direct generation of the wavelengths 935/936 nm and 942/943 nm required for water vapor detection is possible with diode-pumped, Nd-doped YGG- and GSAG-crystals. First experiments resulted in pulse energies of 18 mJ in Q-switched and 86 mJ in free-running operation at 942 nm wavelength.

Citation Download Citation

H. Rhee, T. Riesbeck, F. Kallmeyer, S. Strohmaier, H. J. Eichler, R. Treichel, and K. Petermann "Frequency conversion concepts for the efficient generation of high power 935 to 942-nm laser radiation", Proc. SPIE 6103, Nonlinear Frequency Generation and Conversion: Materials, Devices, and Applications V, 610308 (10 February 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.646263

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