Collisional Dynamics, Lasing and Stimulated Raman Scattering in Optically Pumped Cesium and Potassium Vapors

Author

Kirk C. Brown

Date of Award

3-22-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Glen P. Perram, PhD.

Abstract

This dissertation explores collisional dynamics, lasing and stimulated Raman scattering in cesium and potassium vapors. The spin orbit mixing and quenching cross sections of several buffer gas species are measured. The ne-structure mixing cross sections for He, CH₄ and C₂H₆ are 14±3, 35±6 and 73±10 °A², respectively. The ²P_3/2 state is quenched more rapidly than the ²P_1/2 state. A pulsed blue laser operating via direct excitation of the cesium 7²P_3/2 state is demonstrated. A theoretical model is extended and compared with experimental results. The maximum output energy was 3.3 microJoules with a threshold of 10 microJoules/pulse and a slope efficiency of 0.45%. A tuneable hyper Raman potassium vapor laser, tuneable over 4 nm is demonstrated and characterized. The output was tunable from 766-770 nm. The threshold for the hyper-Raman process was 60 mW. The maximum slope efficiency (10.4%) and output power (12 mW) are comparable to previously demonstrated potassium DPAL systems that used several atmospheres of buffer gas.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-DS-ENP-12-M01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA557983

Recommended Citation

Brown, Kirk C., "Collisional Dynamics, Lasing and Stimulated Raman Scattering in Optically Pumped Cesium and Potassium Vapors" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 1169.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/1169