Laser processing methods based on projection of amplified images provide significant benefits compared to scanning based methods in applications with variable high resolution information. Using the Texas Instrument Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) as a Variable Mask, an image amplification architecture is presented that provides pulse energies (50 ~ 250mJ) and peak powers necessary to process large areas (several cm2 ) with variable high resolution information. The seed lasers and the amplifiers used in the architecture are pulsed Nd:YAG systems.
We report damage threshold results for potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and potassium titanyl arsenate (KTA) which are cut for use as nonlinear crystals in noncritically phase matched optical parametric oscillators. Controlled experiments are described that shed light on the damage process in these nonlinear crystals in terms of the pump, signal, and idler wavelengths. Both surface and bulk material damage morphology is described for each crystal type and for each wavelength. Both materials were evaluated with our optical parametric oscillator damage test facility, which operates at a wavelength of 1574 nm and our Q-switched Nd:YAG test facility that operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm. A comparison of the relative merits of these crystal types as OPO materials is also given.
we report the development of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser exposure testing facility operating at a wavelength of 1.57 microns. This facility consists of a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator employing KTP in a noncritically phase-matched condition. The test facility is pumped by a Q- switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm. The overall layout and design of the facility is described. Standard operating parameters are described as well as a summary of damage threshold data of typical OPO laser system components. The systems was primarily designed to test optical components in OPO laser systems for the rapidly developing field of eye-safe laser systems.
We report the operation of an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing either potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) or potassium titanyl arsenate (KTA) in a noncritically phase matched condition with the constraint of operation within a compact and ruggedized laser system. The design of a ruggedized OPO laser system presented some unique design requirements and are discussed. The discussions here deal solely with a fixed wavelength device. A comparison between KTP and KTA is given with regard to overall conversion efficiency and operational wavelength. Nominally identical crystals (size and surface coatings) of either material were utilized within the same resonator to give comparative data. We also report damage threshold values of KTP when used within an optical parametric oscillator. This data shows that the damage onset in these crystals is dependent on the parametric oscillation, and is not solely a function of the pump beam irradiance.
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