Environmental testing of a Q-switched Nd:YLF laser and a Nd:YAG ring laser

摘要

A Q-switched Nd:YLF laser (model 110-02) and a Nd:YAG ring laser (model 120-04) from Lightwave Electronics were subjected to thermal and vibration tests similar to what can be expected during launch and flight on a spacecraft. Even though these lasers were not designed for space flight, environmental tests were performed to identify major design weaknesses. Laser performance (output power, energy, pulsewidth, lasing threshold, etc.) were measured prior to and after thermal vibration tests. Average output power of the Q-switched laser degraded 15-20% after thermal tests and an additional 20-25% after vibration tests. Cw output power out of the Nd:YAG ring laser degraded 5% after thermal tests and an additional 5% after vibration tests. Post diagnostic tests performed by Lightwave Electronics revealed that degradation of the Q-switched laser was due to misalignment of pump focusing optics and the laser cavity. Degradation of the Nd:YAG ring laser was due to the failure of a cold solder joint on the ground pin rendering the thin film heater and TE cooler ineffective. Lightwave Electronics has incorporated design changes to both lasers to correct for these problems.