Frequency stability of RF-excited CO2 waveguide lasers in gain-switched and Q- switched regimes

Year: 1993

Authors: Lapucci A., Cangioli G., Meucci R.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: In this paper we analyze the behavior of RF-excited waveguide laser both in a gain-switched and a Q-switched regime measuring the frequency sweep during the optical pulse. This enables us to directly distinguish laser induced medium perturbations (LIMP) from the effects of the discharge power loading. Our experimental observations confirm that the main perturbation in the laser output frequency is to be attributed to thermal energy variations. This gives the result of a Q-switch chirp more than one order of magnitude smaller than in the pulsed current mode, suggesting the use of Q-switching waveguide lasers in applications such as long range or doppler laser radar systems. The chirp behavior in the pulsed current mode can show overshot relaxation corresponding to the propagation of density waves in the guide.

Journal/Review: IEEE JOURNAL OF QUANTUM ELECTRONICS

Volume: 29 (3)      Pages from: 926  to: 932

KeyWords: Frequency stability; Guided electromagnetic wave propagation; Optical radar; Optical switches; Optical waveguides; Q switched lasers; Remote sensing, Gain switched lasers; Laser remote sensing; RF excitation; Waveguide lasers, Carbon dioxide lasers
DOI: 10.1109/3.206576

Citations: 6
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