A 10kc Kerr cell modulator for the production of repetitive giant laser pulse

Abstract

The output from a conventional laser is a spontaneous burst of radiation which lasts about one microsecond. If now the reflectivity of one of the two "mirrors " in the system is controllable, it is possible to develop laser system conditions which permit the generation of high peak-power pulses with a pulse width of about 30 nanoseconds. Such a system utilizes the principle of regeneration modulation and has been successfully applied to the production of single high peak-power pulses. A natural step then is to utilize this method to generate a series of re­petitive "giant" pulses. This report describes the electronics equipment developed to assist in producing such pulses at a 10 kc pulse repetition frequency. The approach used represents a first attempt towards an effective means of obtaining controlled high-powered laser pulses. The author extends appreciation to all the members of the Hughes Aircraft Company laser Research group who offered their advice and knowledge. The final successful days of the experiment were under the guidance of Dr. E. Woodbury . The author was also directly and ably assisted during the final stages of the experiment by engineer-physicist Mr. B.E. Dobratz. Also, gratitude and appreciation is offered to Mr. E.D. Stephans for his special kind of guidance and good humor.