Narrowband Single-Longitudinal-Mode (SLM) lasers are important in a number of applications, including frequency metrology, LIDAR, nonlinear optics, holography, and in optical fiber communications. In recent years, the need for such devices has been embraced by the US Navy, who seek low amplitude and phase-noise devices to enhance low noise-figure RF photonic capabilities for avionic and electronic warfare (EW) applications.
Ti:Sapphire and optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier ultrafast laser systems are currently limited in average power
to < 100 watts by relatively low average power pump sources. In order to achieve both high peak and average powers
concomitantly, we describe the design and operation of picosecond and nanosecond Yb:YAG cryogenic laser systems
currently being developed at Snake Creek Lasers (SCL) with a goal of initially producing 1 J/pulse output at 1029 nm
and green output at 515 nm with energy/pulse > 0.5 J, and with a repetition rate up to 1 kHz. Yb based lasers are
particularly promising because of a long upper state radiative lifetime, reducing the diode pump power needed to
produce a target energy/pulse, as well as very favorable high average power scaling properties at liquid nitrogen
temperature. A comparison of a number of Yb based materials including Yb:YAG, Yb:Lu2O3, and others will be
presented. Using a recently developed kinetics model as well as new system design codes, we describe the average and
peak power scaling of cryogenic Yb:YAG lasers as well as the limitations imposed by optically induced damage,
nonlinear phase accumulation, and amplified spontaneous emission.
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