A SIMPLE AND VERSATILE ELECTRONIC CONTROL-SYSTEM FOR A PICOSECOND ND-YLF OSCILLATOR ND-GLASS AMPLIFIER LASER CHAIN

Citation
Cp. Navathe et al., A SIMPLE AND VERSATILE ELECTRONIC CONTROL-SYSTEM FOR A PICOSECOND ND-YLF OSCILLATOR ND-GLASS AMPLIFIER LASER CHAIN, Measurement science & technology, 8(11), 1997, pp. 1267-1274
Citations number
5
Categorie Soggetti
Instument & Instrumentation",Engineering
ISSN journal
09570233
Volume
8
Issue
11
Year of publication
1997
Pages
1267 - 1274
Database
ISI
SICI code
0957-0233(1997)8:11<1267:ASAVEC>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
An electronic control system, developed for power conditioning of a pi cosecond Nd:YLF-Nd:glass laser oscillator-amplifier chain is described , The system generates charging and firing signals required for a comm ercial picosecond oscillator operated in a repetitive mode, and also c arries out a charging and firing sequence of external amplifiers for s ingle-shot operation. The system also controls a mechanical shutter to selectively pass a laser pulse from the oscillator for subsequent amp lification. The laser chain includes a Faraday isolator incorporated w ith a safety check. A control signal is generated by this unit when co nditions suitable for a sufficient level of isolation are achieved, an d the same is used for gating the oscillator pulse. Good synchronizati on is confirmed from the measurements of amplifier gain as a function of the relative time delay in firing of different stages. The electron ics developed is simple and modular, with sufficient scope for expansi on of the system, and resistant to electromagnetic interference.