Abstract

Efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) and third-harmonic generation of a repetitively pulsed CO₂ laser can provide a new source of mid-IR radiation for lidar applications. An efficient harmonic generation of CO₂ laser using AgGaSe₂ or Tl₃AsSe₃ crystal with the a large nonlinear susceptibility is currently being studied. But high-power operation is limited by the low damage threshold of these ternary chalcopyrite nonlinear crystals, which more strongly depends on the fluence of radiated laser pulse than its peak power.

© 1995 Optical Society of America