Beam Combining by Phase Transition Nonlinear Media.

摘要

This report describes the work carried out to develop a high response nonlinear material suitable for use with high power lasers. The objective of this program was to demonstrate the use of a gas or liquid near a phase transition as an efficient phase conjugation material. We have attempted to explore this enhancement for both static equilibrium conditions near the critical point and for nonequilibrium conditions created by sudden expansion in a nozzle. The achievement of such a high response nonlinear material would make practical the application of nonlinear phase conjugate techniques to the beam combining of multiple lasers with a coherence characteristic of a single laser. Laser materials; Laser components; Laser beams; Laser resonators; Phase transition. (edc)