Semiconductor diode-pumped optical parameter oscillator and amplifier-based compact range finder

Narasimha S. Prasad; Allen R. Geiger; Richard D. Richmond

doi:10.1117/12.243568

26 June 1996 Semiconductor diode-pumped optical parameter oscillator and amplifier-based compact range finder

Narasimha S. Prasad, Allen R. Geiger, Richard D. Richmond

Proceedings Volume 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243568
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Recently, lasing action and subsequent optical parametric oscillation has been demonstrated inside a single crystal of Nd:MgO:LiNbO₃ that is pumped by semiconductor diodes. This device, known as OPOL (Optical Parametric Oscillator/Laser), is a highly efficient, continuously tunable coherent optical source that can generate near and mid-IR wavelengths in a compact unit. An OPAL (Optical Parametric Amplifier/Laser) is a similar device that can amplify weak signals. AN OPOL can be used to generate eyesafe wavelengths whereas an OPAL can be used to amplify weak return signals, and in combination can provide eye-safe operation, effective range enhancement and wavelength agility in a range finder. The AN/GVS-5 is a hand-held range finder that is powered by a 24 V dc battery, and uses a flash lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm for its operation to provide a maximum range of 10 km. In this paper, the design of a battery operated OPOL and OPAL is presented, and their application in retrofitting the AN/GVS5 unit to provide eyesafe and wavelength agile operation is discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Narasimha S. Prasad, Allen R. Geiger, and Richard D. Richmond "Semiconductor diode-pumped optical parameter oscillator and amplifier-based compact range finder", Proc. SPIE 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications, (26 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243568

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available