Power, divergence, and stability factors affecting the use of a krypton laser as a multispectral illumination source

Author

David Perry Owsley

Abstract

"Specific performance characteristics of a krypton laser were measured. Evaluation criteria were dictated by the proposed use of the laser as a multi-wavelength illumination source. The laser output power, spectral power distribution, and output stability were measured as a function of wavelength and transverse mode order, to determine optimal operation characteristics. Data are presented defining the compromise between laser output power and beam divergence when the laser is operated multi-wavelength, and in several low-order transverse modes. There is an advantage of increased output power when the laser is operated in transverse modes higher in order than TEM₀₀, but beam divergence also increases with mode number and wavelength. In addition, significant output instability occurs, caused by competition effects among the simultaneously oscillating longitudinal modes and among the multi-wavelength, low-order transverse modes. The instabilities are increased by competition among the several transitions, caused by shared krypton ion energy levels. The magnitude and frequency of the resulting laser intensity fluctuations were measured and data are given relating output instability to wavelength and transverse mode order. In addition to the near-random intensity fluctuations caused by competition effects, the laser output can be modulated at discrete frequencies by strong plasma instabilities. The frequency and magnitude of the discrete frequency modulations were measured, and the results are presented as a function of discharge current"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Crosby, Herbert A., 1926-1992

Committee Member(s)

Ziemer, Rodger E.
Kieffer, J. C.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1973

Pagination

x, 144 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 138-143).

Rights

© 1973 David Perry Owsley, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

LasersKrypton -- Spectra

Thesis Number

T 2903

Print OCLC #

6019872

Electronic OCLC #

913880416

Recommended Citation

Owsley, David Perry, "Power, divergence, and stability factors affecting the use of a krypton laser as a multispectral illumination source" (1973). Masters Theses. 3378.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3378