Shrnutí

Popis

We propose to develop an efficient, tunable Q-switched SSL operating at a wavelength of 1651 nm with pulse energy >1 mJ at 2000 Hz repetition rate with in-band laser diode pumping. We will leverage initial work carried out during Phase I of this program to pursue two approaches: (i) a tunable injection-seeded Q-switched SSL, and (ii) a regenerative power amplifier. In Phase I, we investigated a variety of gallium garnet gain media — including comprehensive characterization of absorption and fluorescence spectra — and we have identified the most promising prospective crystals for 1651 nm emission. We have also demonstrated sufficient tunability to enable differential path LIDAR techniques for the detection of methane.