Abstract

The recently published three-parameter theory (α, β, Ē_in) for calculating flashlamp performance is used here to derive a simple Q-switched laser pumping optimization procedure. For a single LC driving circuit, it minimizes the energy stored in C at the start of pumping needed to produce the required E_s, the energy stored in the laser rod just before Q-switching. In addition to specifying the values of L, C, and the initial voltage V₀, the process indicates the maximum current i_m, the half peak current pulse width τ_i, and the negative overshoot current i_min, if present.

© 1977 Optical Society of America

Flashlamp Discharge and Laser Efficiency

R. H. Dishington, W. R. Hook, and R. P. Hilberg
Appl. Opt. 13(10) 2300-2312 (1974)

Ablative flashlamps for high peak power dye lasers

Y. Levy, G. Neumann, and D. Treves
Appl. Opt. 16(8) 2293-2296 (1977)

High-energy short-pulse flashlamps: operating characteristics

T. Efthymiopoulos and B. K. Garside
Appl. Opt. 16(1) 70-76 (1977)

Fluorescence ambient NO₂ monitor with flashlamp pumping

C. L. Fincher, A. W. Tucker, M. Birnbaum, R. J. Paur, and W. A. McClenny
Appl. Opt. 16(5) 1359-1365 (1977)

Ultraviolet spectral efficiencies of surface-spark discharges with emphasis on the iodine photodissociation laser pumpband

R. E. Beverly, R. H. Barnes, C. E. Moeller, and M. C. Wong
Appl. Opt. 16(6) 1572-1577 (1977)