Precise Alignment of a Longitudinal Pockels Cell for Q-switch Operation Nd:YAG Laser

  • D. Nisperuza Lasers and Spectroscopy Group, Physics School, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Antioquia
  • G. Botero Lasers and Spectroscopy Group, Physics School, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Antioquia
  • A. Bastidas Lasers and Spectroscopy Group, Physics School, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Antioquia

Abstract

The failure to accurately center optical components may, especially in the case of high gain of the Nd:YAG lasers, produce strong parasitic off-axis laser action capable of causing severe component damage typically to the Pockels cell. We report a precise longitudinal alignment of the Pockels cell by modulating the laser polarization using an experimental setup of circular dichroism. This procedure is based on the use of an analyzer at 0° or 45° of the Pockels cell axes, and it allows us to adjust the Q-switching delay for best pulse shape, maximum output energy and to reduce the lack of symmetry of the spot laser considerably.

Published
Jun 5, 2010
How to Cite
NISPERUZA, D.; BOTERO, G.; BASTIDAS, A.. Precise Alignment of a Longitudinal Pockels Cell for Q-switch Operation Nd:YAG Laser. Revista Cubana de Física, [S.l.], v. 27, n. 1, p. 63-65, june 2010. ISSN 2224-7939. Available at: <https://revistacubanadefisica.org/index.php/rcf/article/view/RCF_27-1_63_2010>. Date accessed: 29 mar. 2024.
Section
Original Articles