Title:
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A Q-switched, mode-locked, PTM laser system using a single Pockels cell modulator
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The thesis describes a TEM00 mode, Nd:CaWO4 laser which generates nanosecond pulses at a wavelength of 1.06µm. This is achieved by simultaneously Q-switching and mode-locking the laser with a single Pockels cell modulated with the appropriate voltage waveform. The same Pockels cell is used in combination with suitable optical components to 'dump' a single pulse from the cavity. Theoretically, this pulse contains all the energy within the cavity. The Q-switching and mode-locking functions could be performed individually and the practical results for the Q-switched PTM and the mode-locking functions are shown to be in agreement with the theories presented. Some experiments are described using a Nd:glass laser in place of the Nd: CaWO4 laser where the mode-locking function is performed by a saturable absorber as well as the Pockels cell modulator.
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