Abstract

A unique picosecond-pulse Nd:YAG laser system has been developed for NASA for use in precision satellite ranging applications. It is the first frequency-doubled, picosecond-pulse Nd:YAG laser designed and packaged for stable operation in a field environment. This system emits an adjustable 100-1000-psec duration pulse containing 0.33 J at 532 nm or 0.50 J at 1064 nm. The pulse repetition rate is variable from 1.0 pps to 5.0 pps, and the pulse-to-pulse amplitude stability is ±5%. The output beam diameter is 3.6 cm, and the 85% full width divergence is 75 μrad. These performance characteristics are maintained for altitudes between sea level and 15,000 ft, temperatures between 40°F and 125°F, and a relative humidity up to 50%. The laser system also maintains performance in the vibration environment of a mobile electronic van. The basic design concept of this system is the regenerative amplification of a single mode-locked pulse from a cw pumped mode-locked Nd:YAG laser.

© 1976 Optical Society of America