Operation of a Ti:sapphire laser for the SLAC polarized electron source

A new laser system has been developed as the light source for the SLAC polarized electron source for the 1993 SLD physics run. A Q-switched and cavity-dumped Ti:Sapphire laser, pumped by a doubled YAG laser is used. This laser delivers typically 50 /spl mu/J to the photocathode with the required 2 nanosecond, double pulse, 120 Hz time structure. The laser operates at wavelengths between 760 nm and 870 nm. The laser was installed on the SLAC linac in January 1993, and is currently in use.<<ETX>>