Abstract

We have built a diode-pumped, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, to be used as an optical source for range finding on the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) program. The laser produced 14 mJ of energy at λ = 1064 nm in a 10-ns pulse (FWHM). The laser was pumped by a 20-diode bar array operated at a 190-μs pulse width and a 49 A drive current. The laser’s repetition rate is adjustable from 1 to 8 Hz. The laser was put through vibration and vacuum-thermal-cycling tests as part of it s acceptance program. The resonator design was chosen to be similar to the Clementine laser to reduce technical risk in this 9-month contract.

© 1995 Optical Society of America