Open AccessEfficient potassium diode pumped alkali laser operating in pulsed mode
Author(s) -
B. V. Zhdanov,
Matthew D. Rotondaro,
M. K. Shaffer,
R. J. Knize
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.017266
Subject(s) - materials science , diode , optics , laser , alkali metal , stack (abstract data type) , optoelectronics , narrowband , energy conversion efficiency , potassium , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , computer science , metallurgy , programming language
This paper presents the results of our experiments on the development of an efficient hydrocarbon free diode pumped alkali laser based on potassium vapor buffered by He gas at 600 Torr. A slope efficiency of more than 50% was demonstrated with a total optical conversion efficiency of 30%. This result was achieved by using a narrowband diode laser stack as the pump source. The stack was operated in pulsed mode to avoid limiting thermal effects and ionization.