Sun-pumped laser

Abstract : This report describes the results of a program to obtain improved operating performance of the sun pumped laser developed on the previous contract, AF contract F33615-70-C-1225. With more effective cooling of the laser rod, a nearly threefold increase in the multimode output power was achieved. A multimode output power of 4.85 watts was obtained with the 24 inch diameter collector using a copper heat sink which fully contacted the circumference of the laser rod. Operation of the device in a configuration compatible with dual sun and lamp or diode pumping, was also demonstrated. Operation of the sun pumped laser in the fundamental mode was obtained with the use of an intracavity lens to expand the beam within the laser rod. A TEM sub OO output of 0.8 watts was obtained. Mode locked operation of the laser at a pulse repetition frequency of 500 MHz was also accomplished.