Numerical and experimental investigation of a stimulated Raman half-resonator

A stimulated Raman resonator pumped by a small (50-mJ, 5-ns) Nd:YAG requiring only one high-reflectivity mirror has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. Forward and backward Raman waves of approximately equal intensity are generated, which in turn produce Raman medium density variation. The forward Raman wave scattered off of the density variation enhances backward gain. There is significant competition between the Raman conversion and stimulated Brillouin scattering of the pump. Equations describing the interactions are given. Their solution is described and presented. An experiment setup using a 1.06- mu m pump and a CH/sub 4/ Raman cell is described. Experimental results are described and interpreted in light of the theory. The theory is in good agreement with the experimental results.<>