基于单块周期极化铌酸锂晶体级联三倍频的440 nm蓝光固体激光器

阐述了一种基于单块周期极化铌酸锂晶体级联三倍频实现440 nm蓝光输出的实验方案。根据周期极化铌酸锂晶体的Sellmeier方程以及倍频与和频的相位匹配条件,在一块周期极化铌酸锂晶体上设计了两段不同的极化周期,使其在同一工作温度下能分别实现倍频与和频,在先后经过倍频与和频后,实现级联三倍频输出。实验采用Nd: YAG产生的1319 nm光作为基频光,重频400 Hz,脉宽110 ns,横向和纵向光束质量因子分别为1.81和2.65。耦合进周期极化铌酸锂晶体后,出射光中检测到660 nm的红光和440 nm的蓝光。通过调整工作温度和入射基频光功率,得到2.4 mW的最大蓝光输出,此时工作温度55.5 ℃,基频光功率530 mW。实验结果验证了单块晶体实现级联三倍频440 nm蓝光输出的可行性。     

Surface second-harmonic generation based on periodically poled LiNb03 nonlinear optical crystal

We have generated a second-harmonic generation （SHG） of a Q-switched microchip Nd：YAG laser on the surface of a periodically poled LiNbO3 （PPLN） nonlinear crystal near the grazing incidence angle. Three individual SHC waves as transmitted homogeneous, kthomogeneous and reflected radiations have been generated and their intensities are measured and characterized within a desirable range of about 10 different incidence angles of the Nd：YAG laser as pump source on the PPLN surface. The basic of surface nonlinear radiation is also investigated and similar results are calculated and extracted from the theory. Comparison between calculated and measured data shows that they are in good agreement with each other.     

Optical parametric oscillator pumped by relaxation oscillation pulses of a mechanically Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

We report the generation of mid-infrared pulsed radiation between 2.2 and 3 μm range using a singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (SR-OPO) based on a 40-mm-long crystal of periodically-poled LiNbO₃ (PPLN) pumped by mechanically Q-switched pulses from a Nd:YAG laser, obtained by chopping the beam inside the laser resonator over a 1–10 kHz duty cycle. An appreciable reduction in pulse width as well as the number of relaxation oscillation pulses of the Nd:YAG pump laser is observed when the frequency of the Q-switch chopper is increased up to 10 kHz. Sub-nanosecond relaxation oscillation pulses of about 170–210 ns duration are generated under the width of the idler envelope varying from 4.6 to 8.55 μs. The same behavior is observed for the signal wave. A maximum extraction efficiency of 22 % is obtained for the idler, corresponding to 785 mW of output power at 10 kHz. The tuning of the signal and idler beams were performed by temperature variation of the PPLN crystal within 100–200 °C range.     

A compact and high efficiency diode pumped green laser based on MgO doped PPLN

In this work, an efficient intra-cavity second harmonic generation of green laser in a periodically poled MgO doped LiNbO₃ (MgO:PPLN) bulk crystal using a compact Nd:YVO₄ laser as a fundamental laser source is reported. Different length, different working temperature MgO:PPLN crystals are tested and investigated in the SHG experiments. The maximum output power at 532 nm is 6.2 W at the absorbed pump power at 808 nm of 14 W, the optical to optical conversion efficiencies from 808 to 532 nm and 1064 to 532 nm are 43 and 77%, respectively, the instability in 2 hours is less than 5%.     

用非共线二次谐波法实现对锁模激光器超短脉冲宽度的测定

用非共线自相关SHG方法测量了Nd:YAG被动锁模激光器的脉冲宽度。非线性晶体ADP的取向是使仅在两束光都存在时才有位相匹配的SHG。两束寻常光之间的夹角在晶体中是20°50′。SHG出现在它们的角分线方向上;倍频输出是非寻常光。所测得的自相关函数的宽度对应着Nd:YAG被动锁模激光器的脉冲宽度为24ps。 关键词：     

准相位匹配扇形光栅铌酸锂光波导倍频绿光输出

采用外加电场极化方式对具有扇形光栅的 0 .5mm厚Z切铌酸锂晶体进行极化反转 ,制成了退火质子交换光波导。极化反转周期为 5 .8μm～ 6 .2 μm ,采用Nd∶YAG激光器输出的 1.0 6 4 μm连续激光为基频光波 ,实现了0 .5 32 μm倍频绿光输出 ,相互作用长度为 4mm ,耦入波导的基频光波功率为 10mW ,获得了 2 0 μW的绿色倍频光输出 ,归一化转换效率为 12 5 % (W·cm2 )。     

宽带准连续光纤激光在周期极化铌酸锂中倍频特性的研究

双包层光纤激光器和非线性光学材料(如周期性极化的铌酸锂晶体,PPLN)相结合,开辟了实用性非线性光学器件的一个新领域。研究了准相位匹配周期性极化反转铌酸锂晶体对宽带准连续光纤激光倍频的温度特性和频谱特性。在理论上,从准相位匹配相位失配关系出发,推导了晶体温度与抽运源中心波长的关系以及温度响应带宽,并和已报道实验结果进行了比较,二者符合得很好。此外,还推导了倍频周期极化铌酸锂晶体对抽运基频光源的响应谱线带宽。在实验上,采用长度20mm,极化周期6．5μm,厚度0．5mm的周期极化铌酸锂晶体光纤激光器准连续宽带输出进行了倍频,获得了在不同控制温度下的倍频光光谱,并对此进行了详细分析。     

Development of coherent tunable source in 2–16 μm region using nonlinear frequency mixing processes

A very convenient way to obtain widely tunable source of coherent radiation in the infrared region is through nonlinear frequency mixing processes like second harmonic generation (SHG), difference-frequency mixing (DFM) or optical parametric oscillation (OPO). Using commonly available Nd:YAG laser and its harmonic pumped dye laser radiation as parent beams, we have been able to generate coherent tunable infrared radiation (IR) in 2–16 μm region using different nonlinear crystals by DFM and OPO. We have also generated such IR source in the 4–5 μm region through SHG of CO₂ laser in different infrared crystals. In the process we have characterized a large number of nonlinear crystals like different borate group of crystals, KTP, KTA, LiIO₃, MgO:LiNbO₃, GaSe, AgGaSe₂, ZnGeP₂, AgGa_1?x In _x Se₂, HgGa₂S₄ etc. To improve the conversion efficiencies of such frequency conversion processes, we have developed some novel schemes, like multipass configuration (MC) and positive optical feedback (POF). The significance of the obtained results lies in the fact that to get the same conversion in SHG or DFM, one now requires fundamental input radiation with much lower intensity.     

高效转换的大功率皮秒脉冲激光器

本文描述我们设计的带抗共振环(ARR)的对撞脉冲锁模(CPM)非稳腔Nd:YAP和Nd:YAG激光器,该激光腔结合了CPM腔脉宽窄、工作稳定和非稳腔输出能量高的特点,是一理想的高功率激光器同时选择了KTP、BBO和LBO等优良非线性晶体作为腔内倍频元件,实现高效倍频转换获得×10mJ和5GW/cm²的高能量和高功率绿光皮秒脉冲输出,倍频转换效率高达(50～70)%.     

Non-critical phase-matched second harmonic generation in Gd<Subscript>x</Subscript>Y<Subscript>1-x</Subscript>COB

We have characterized non-critical phase-matching (NCPM) for both Type I and Type II second harmonic generation (SHG) in y-cut Gd_xY_1-xCOB using a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The variation of the NCPM wavelength with temperature was investigated for different values of the compositional parameter x. Efficient SHG of 1064 nm was achieved by choosing the suitable compositional parameter x=0.28 and by tuning the temperature of the crystal to 52 °C. Using a 25-mm-long Gd_0.28Y_0.72COB crystal, conversion efficiencies of 41 and 43% were obtained respectively from a mode-locked Nd:YAG and a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. PACS 42.25.Lc; 42.65.Ky; 42.70.Mp; 42.79.Nv     

Diode-laser pumped passively Q-switched green laser by intracavity frequency-doubling with periodically poled LiNbO3

A continuous-wave (CW) laser-diode (LD) pumped passively Q-switched intra-cavity frequency-doubling green laser is reported in this paper. We used 3% at Nd doped YVO₄ as gain medium, Cr⁴⁺:YAG as a saturable absorber for passively Q-switch and periodically poled LiNbO₃ (PPLN) as a frequency doubler. The output energy of the green laser is 1.96 μJ with the pulse-width of 15.6 ns. No green-noise problem exists in the green laser. Some theoretical results on the passive Q-switching and intra-cavity frequency-doubling are also discussed.     

Theoretical and experimental investigations of nanosecond 177.3 nm deep-ultraviolet light by second harmonic generation in KBBF

We have presented theoretical and experimental investigations of nanosecond (ns) deep-ultraviolet (DUV) 177.3 nm radiation by means of second harmonic generation (SHG) from a frequency-tripled Nd:YAG laser (355 nm, 49 ns and 10 kHz) in KBe₂BO₃F₂ (KBBF) nonlinear crystal for the first time. A DUV KBBF-SHG numerical model, accounting for linear absorption, pump depletion, beam spatial birefringent walk-off and diffraction, is performed in the Gaussian approximation of spatial and temporal profiles. In the experiment, a maximum average output power of 14.1 mW at 177.3 nm was obtained. The dependence of 177.3 nm output power on the 355 nm pump power was simulated. The calculated results are in good agreement with the measured data. We used the model further to investigate the optical conversion efficiency, pulse width, beam spatial intensity profile and beam quality factor of the generated 177.3 nm light, in particular the effect of beam birefringent walk-off.     

Widely tunable PPLN/IOPO driven by a diode-end-pumped Q-switched Nd:YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> laser

This paper reported a broadband tuning intracavity optical parametric oscillator (IOPO), based on the multiple grating periodical poled lithium niobate (PPLN) pumped by a acoustic-optical (AO) Q-switched Nd:YVO₄ laser. The widely tunable OPO output signal wavelength range from 1390 to 1605 nm, which was obtained by changing PPLN poling period from 27.8 to 31.6 μm at a certain temperature of 46°C, while the continuous tuning range was measured from 1475 to 1592 nm with the PPLN poling period of 30 μm by varying the temperature of nonlinear crystal PPLN from 50 to 120°C. The maximum output power of 0.92 W at 1534 nm with the minimum pulse width of 5.17 ns was generated under the incident pump power of 9.6 W at 808 nm. The corresponding peak power and single pulse energy were calculated to be 5.94 kW and 30.7 μJ, respectively. The M ₂-factor was measured to be 2.01 at the signal power of 0.4 W.     

Characterization of laser processing of single‐crystal natural diamonds using micro‐Raman spectroscopic investigations

The application of lasers for processing diamond has revolutionized the diamond industry and its applications in microelectronics, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and microoptoelectromechanical system (MOEMS) technologies. The process quality can be evaluated using spectroscopic techniques. In the present investigation, four different types of Q‐switched solid‐state lasers (with different beam parameters), namely, a lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, a lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at second harmonically generated 532 nm, a diode‐pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser operating at 1064 nm and a diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm, have been employed for the processing of a single‐crystal, gem‐quality, natural diamond. The main objective behind the selection of these lasers with different beam parameters was to study the effect of wavelength, pulse width, pulse energy, peak power and beam quality factor (M² factor) on various aspects of processing (such as microcracking, material loss and cut surface quality) and their relative merits and demerits. The overall weight loss of the diamond and formation of microcracks during processing have been studied for the above four cases. The characteristics of the graphite formed during processing, elemental analysis, surface morphology of the cut surface and process dynamics have been studied using micro‐Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We observed that laser cutting of single‐crystal diamonds used for industrial applications can be accomplished without microcracking or surface distortion using Q‐switched Nd:YAG lasers. This allows direct processing without extensive postgrinding and polishing stages. Very efficient diamond processing is possible using diode‐pumped lasers, which results in the lowest possible breakage rate, good accuracy, good surface finish and low weight loss. From the micro‐Raman and SEM studies, it is concluded that the surface quality obtained is superior when diode‐pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser is used, owing to its extremely high peak power. The maximum graphite content is observed while processing with lamp‐pumped Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm. An overall comparison of all the laser sources leads to the conclusion that diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser is a superior option for the efficient processing of natural diamond crystals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Highly efficient frequency doubling of high-energy Nd:YAG laser using a CsB3O5 crystal

We have demonstrated efficient frequency doubling of high-energy fundamental Nd:YAG laser pulse energy of the multi-joule (J) level at a high repetition rate using high optical-quality top-seeded solution growth CsB₃O₅(TSSG-CBO) crystal for the first time. Second-harmonic (532 nm) generation (SHG) output energy of 1.2 J at 10 Hz is obtained with a conversion efficiency of 60%. This result has been obtained at the multi-J level by the growth of high optical-quality TSSG-CBO crystal with the large effective nonlinear coefficient and high damage threshold. These results indicate that TSSG-CBO is a good candidate material for high-energy SHG of Nd-doped lasers at the several J level or more with high repetition rate.     

Trace-gas sensor based on mid-IR difference-frequency generation in PPLN with saturated output power

The development and characterization of a compact pulsed mid-IR laser source for sensitive on-line trace-gas analyses in the 3–4 μm wavelength range is reported. The source is based on an advantageous difference-frequency mixing configuration in periodically poled LiNbO₃ (PPLN) with a cw external-cavity diode laser (ECDL; 810–830 nm) for broad and accurate tunability and a diode-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) for high mid-IR peak power. With 5 mW cw pump and 4.7 kW signal peak power incident on a 19 mm long PPLN crystal, a maximum of 360 μW mid-IR peak power was generated. The narrowband (∼150 MHz) radiation was saturated by a factor of 15 compared with the nonsaturated case due to depletion of the pump laser radiation. This results in a very high amplitude stability of the generated mid-IR power and thus in a high detection sensitivity. A minimum detectable absorption coefficient of 2.8×10⁻⁸ cm⁻¹ was achieved in combination with a 36.2 m multipass cell in an averaging time of 20 s, as demonstrated by on-line analyses of formaldehyde traces near 3.53 μm.     

Pulsed-laser annealing of GaAs surface studied by time-resolved second-harmonic generation in reflection

Experimental results are presented on the time dependence of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) of a mode-locked Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in reflection from both amorphous and crystalline GaAs surfaces during the pulsed-laser annealing under ruby laser irradiation. A dramatic increase of SHG by more than two orders of magnitude due to recrystallization of the noncentrosymmetric GaAs lattice in the process of pulsed-laser annealing is observed and the duration of surface recrystallization is measured to be not greater than 30–40 ns. The results can be fully understood in terms of the melting model of laser annealing.     

All-optical wavelength tuning in Ti:PPLN Šolc filter via the photorefractive effect

We demonstrate fine-wavelength tuning of a periodically poled Ti:LiNbO₃ (Ti:PPLN) Šolc filter by use of the photorefractive (PR) effect. The center wavelength of a Ti:PPLN Šolc filter is controlled by the PR effect, which is induced by second-harmonic generation (SHG). The refractive index change caused by the PR effect is calculated from the measured shift in center wavelength from the Ti:PPLN Šolc filter. The experimental results show that all-optical fine-wavelength tuning in a Ti:PPLN Šolc filter is possible by the use of a second-order nonlinear effect and that a Ti:PPLN waveguide has much higher resistance to PR damage than a Ti:LiNbO₃ waveguide. The measured wavelength tuning rate as a function of the pump beam power is about − 0.033 nm/mW.     

Observation of quadratic spatial solitons in periodically poled lithium niobate

We report what are to our knowledge the first observation and characterization of quadratic spatial solitons in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN). Using a Nd:YAG (1064-nm) source, we observed self-trapped solitary-wave propagation over more than six diffraction lengths as a result of the cascaded quadratic nonlinear process. Low-threshold operation (5-kW peak power) was measured for the quasi-phase-matched PPLN structure designed for frequency doubling.     

Quantitative studies of copper plasma using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

In the present work, we present the spatial evolution of the copper plasma produced by the fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) and second harmonic (532 nm) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The experimentally observed line profiles of neutral copper have been used to extract the electron temperature using the Boltzmann plot method, whereas, the electron number density has been determined from the Stark broadening. Besides we have studied the variation of electron temperature and electron number density as a function of laser energy at atmospheric pressure. The Cu I lines at 333.78, 406.26, 465.11 and 515.32 nm are used for the determination of electron temperature. The relative uncertainty in the determination of electron temperature is ≈10%. The electron temperature calculated for the fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser is 10500–15600 K, and that for the second harmonic (532 nm) of Nd:YAG laser is 11500–14700 K at a Q Switch delay of 40 μs. The electron temperature has also been calculated as a function of laser energy from the target surface for both modes of the laser. We have also studied the spatial behavior of the electron number density in the plume. The electron number densities close to the target surface (0.05 mm), in the case of fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser having pulse energy 135 mJ and second harmonic (532 nm) of Nd:YAG laser with pulse energy 80 mJ are 2.50×10¹⁶ and 2.60×10¹⁶ cm⁻³, respectively.