AFB Planar Ring Laser

In Phase I, we propose a design and risk reduction study that will be focused on the feasibility of fabricating low-cost narrow-linewidth monolithic and unidirectional diode-pumped ring lasers using Nd3+:YVO4 and Nd3+:YAG as the laser gain elements. The goal of this proposal will be the completion of a modeling package as well as the fabrication and characterization of critical laser components. The successful completion of the proposed Phase I work will allow us, with confidence, to optimize the design, and then, fabricate a working prototype laser in a Phase II continuation of this program. The additional design freedom that is brought to the resonator design problem, by being able to fabricate a compound laser crystal through the use of an adhesive-free bonding technique, permits the construction of monolithic unidirectional ring lasers that are not difficult to produce in YVO4, YLF, YAG and other laser media.