SHORT PULSE LASERS

Abstract : The feasibility of obtaining Laser operation by exciting ruby crystals with short-duration, high intensity pulses of light obtained from an arc source is examined. In addition, the fabrication, operation, and instrumentation of a standard-type, long-pulse Laser was undertaken. The latter object was included to allow a broader investigation into the physics of Laser problems and to serve as a basis for comparison of short-pulse results. Underlying these experimental purposes is the basic interest, namely, that the Laser is characterized by the unique features of spatial and temporal coherence of the output, giving a light source having a single wavelength output and properties similar to radio frequency generators but at a much higher frequency.