Spectral and temporal control of Q-switched solid-state lasers using intracavity MEMS

A. Paterson; R. Bauer; R. Li; C. Clark; W. Lubeigt; D. Uttamchandani

doi:10.1117/12.2211302

16 March 2016 Spectral and temporal control of Q-switched solid-state lasers using intracavity MEMS

A. Paterson, R. Bauer, R. Li, C. Clark, W. Lubeigt, D. Uttamchandani

Proceedings Volume 9726, Solid State Lasers XXV: Technology and Devices; 97261U (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2211302
Event: SPIE LASE, 2016, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Active control of the spectral and temporal output characteristics of solid-state lasers through use of MEMS scanning micromirrors is presented. A side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with two intracavity scanning micromirrors, enabling Q-switching operation with controllable pulse duration and pulse-on-demand capabilities, is investigated. Changing the actuation signal of one micromirror allows a variation of the pulse duration between 370 ns and 1.06 μs at a pulse repetition frequency of 21.37 kHz and average output power of 50 mW. Pulse-on-demand lasing is enabled through actuation of the second micromirror. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of the use of multiple intracavity MEMS devices as active tuning elements in a single solid-state laser cavity. Furthermore, we present the first demonstration of control over the output wavelength of a solid-state laser using a micromirror and a prism in an intracavity Littman configuration. A static tilt actuation of the micromirror resulted in tuning the output wavelength of an Yb:KGW laser from 1024 nm to 1031.5 nm, with FWHM bandwidths between 0.2 nm and 0.4 nm. These proof-of-principle demonstrations provide the first steps towards a miniaturized, flexible solid-state laser system with potential defense and industrial applications.

Citation Download Citation

A. Paterson, R. Bauer, R. Li, C. Clark, W. Lubeigt, and D. Uttamchandani "Spectral and temporal control of Q-switched solid-state lasers using intracavity MEMS", Proc. SPIE 9726, Solid State Lasers XXV: Technology and Devices, 97261U (16 March 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2211302

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