학술논문

285 mJ Electro-optically Q-switched Er:YAG Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) System with Adjustable Pumping Delay between Flashlamps at 2.94 ㎛
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Current Optics and Photonics. 2023-06 7(3):297-303
Subject
Er:YAG laser
Electro-optic Q-switching
Flashlamp pumping
Mid-infrared
Language
Korean
ISSN
2508-7266
2508-7274
Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrated a high-energy (285 mJ) mid-infrared flashlamp-pumped electro-optically Q-switched Er:YAG master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system and comprehensively investigated its temporal, spectral, and spatial characteristics. To increase the output energy, we optimized the delay between the timings at which the flashlamps of the master oscillator and power amplifier were triggered. In addition, the output energy was improved while minimizing thermal effects by cooling the MOPA system to a temperature slightly above the dew point. Consequently, the MOPA structure boosted the output energy without damaging the lithium niobate Pockels cell, which is a crucial element in Qswitching. This design realized pulses with energies up to 0.285 J and pulse durations of approximately 140 ㎱ at a wavelength of 2,936.7 ㎚. This high-energy mid-IR Er:YAG MOPA system can be used for various scientific, engineering, and military underwater applications.