An Evaluation of the Ti:Sapphire Tunable Laser System

Abstract

NASA LIDAR applications require frequency versatile, efficient, stable, compact, long-lived laser systems for space-based applications. Systems based on Ti:Sapphire, pumped by doubled Nd:YAG lasers, are potentially well matched to this application. The attractiveness lies in its relatively broad tuning range and apparent potential for efficient operation. High system efficiencies can be projected when the Ti:Sapphire laser is excited by a frequency-doubled diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser. The diode array Nd:YAG pump technology is beginning to develop, and offers the potential for very high efficiencies at 1 μm. By using a highly tunable solid state host, instead of a dye, long lifetimes can be achieved. Stability and compactness have already been well demonstrated in well-engineered solid-state laser systems.