Feasibility of a 486-nm Fraunhofer laser source based on a 4Fsub 3/2 -> 4Isub 9/2 neodymium laser. Final report

Investigate the potential of a novel laser source based on the neodymium 4F sub 3/2 -> 4I sub 9/2 transition for operation at 486.1 nm, the H beta Fraunhofer wavelength. Characterize this transition in Nd:YAG and also stimulated rotational Raman conversion in H2, D2, and HD as critical steps in such a system.