Title :
Development of a diode pumped Nd:YAG laser for asteroid sample return mission
Author :
Nakayama, M. ; Yuasa, H. ; Tsuno, K. ; Mizuno, T. ; Saitoh, H.
Author_Institution :
Corporate Manuf. Eng. Center, Toshiba Corp., Yokohama, Japan
Abstract :
We have been developing a diode pumped Nd:YAG laser with 12 mJ output energy for a LIDAR system which is used on a sample return mission of a near-Earth asteroid. The laser was required to display both optical performance for the LIDAR and the durability and resistance of a spaceborne component. We succeeded by applying such techniques as laser design, device screening, gluing fixation of optics, passive cooling and structure analysis. The prototype-model of the laser satisfied all of the required specifications. Also, its weight was realized to be less than300 g with an Mg alloy frame.
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; asteroids; neodymium; optical pumping; optical radar; solid lasers; 12 mJ; 300 g; LIDAR system; MUSES-C asteroid inquiry program; Mg alloy frame; YAG:Nd; YAl5O12:Nd; asteroid sample return mission; device screening; diode pumped Nd:YAG laser; laser design; near-Earth asteroid; passive cooling; spaceborne component; structure analysis; Cooling; Diodes; Displays; Laser excitation; Laser radar; Optical design; Optical design techniques; Optical devices; Optical pumping; Pump lasers;
Conference_Titel :
Lasers and Electro-Optics, 2001. CLEO/Pacific Rim 2001. The 4th Pacific Rim Conference on
Conference_Location :
Chiba, Japan
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6738-3
DOI :
10.1109/CLEOPR.2001.967966
