Abstract

Second harmonic conversion (SHG) of Alexandrite is an effective means of obtaining tunable high peak power over the wavelength range 350-400nm. However, external SHG requires high intensity for efficient conversion and optical damage problems can result. An alternative is to utilize high intracavity intensities for conversion while at the same time use the SHG process as a power limiter for the intracavity fundamental laser beam. Intracavity SHG in a unidirectional Alexandrite ring laser with the only output at the second harmonic frequency was studied. Experimental results and their comparison with modeling studies of such a process will be discussed.

© 1989 Optical Society of America