Title :
High-power two-dimensional waveguide CO2 laser arrays
Author :
Abramski, Krzysztof M. ; Colley, Alan D. ; Baker, Howard J. ; Hall, Denis R.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Phys., Heriot-Watt Univ., Edinburgh, UK
fDate :
2/1/1996 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A two-dimensional, 39 element array of waveguide carbon dioxide lasers has produced a total CW laser power output of 750 W, using RF excitation of a compact, close packed assembly. Thermal effects associated with close-packing in the array are evaluated in terms of discharge wall temperature rise and cavity mirror distortion. The array elements are shown to have a 30% power derating relative to a single isolated laser channel, caused mainly by internal temperature rise. Mirror distortion and waveguide constructional errors do not degrade the beam quality of the array emission, which matches the theoretical value. However mirror distortion is shown to be responsible for a large spread in laser frequency between channels in the array. Based on the results, prospects are good for the construction of larger, multikilowatt incoherent arrays
Keywords :
carbon compounds; gas lasers; laser arrays; laser cavity resonators; laser mirrors; optical noise; waveguide lasers; 750 W; CO2; RF excitation; array emission; beam quality; cavity mirror distortion; discharge wall temperature rise; element array; high-power two-dimensional waveguide CO2 laser arrays; internal temperature rise; isolated laser channel; laser frequency; mirror distortion; multikilowatt incoherent arrays; thermal effects; total CW laser power output; waveguide carbon dioxide lasers; waveguide constructional errors; Carbon dioxide; Chemical elements; Laser noise; Laser theory; Mirrors; Optical arrays; Power lasers; Temperature; Waveguide components; Waveguide lasers;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
