Generation of tunable medium infrared radiation by non-linear optical mixing of dye laser outputs

Rampal, V.V. (1973) Generation of tunable medium infrared radiation by non-linear optical mixing of dye laser outputs. University of Southampton, Department of Electronics, Doctoral Thesis, 144pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

The first demonstration of tunable infrared generation by down-conversion in AgGaS₂ is described. Two different arrangements for down-conversion in AgGaS₂ have been used. The first used a ruby and a ruby-pumped dye laser and the second used two flashlamp-pumped dye lasers. The dye laser systems used for the mixing process are also described. Using the flashlamp-pumped system, a tuning range of 8.7 to 11.6 µm was achieved. Using the ruby and ruby-pumped-dye-laser arrangement a wider infrared tuning range (4.6 to 12 µm) has been obtained. A similar wide tuning range of 4 to 11.5 µm has also been demonstrated in proustite (Ag₃AsS₃) crystals.

Measurements have been made of the laser induced damage threshold of AgGaS₂ at wavelengths over the range 580-625 nm.

Using these results, estimates have been made of expected infrared power and tuning range that can be obtained using more powerful flashlamp-pumped dye lasers and larger crystals of AgGaS₂.