Estimation of ASE contribution at the output signal of laser active optical systems
N.A. Vasnev, M.V. Trigub
V.E. Zuev Institute of Atmospheric Optics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Tomsk, Russia
Keywords: laser active optical system, laser monitor, amplified spontaneous emission, single-pass radiation, signal amplification
Abstract
The paper is devoted to research of the output signal composition of metal-vapor laser active optical systems under various operating conditions. The effect of the temporal characteristics of laser active optical systems on the output signal composition is experimentally estimated. The method for determining the contribution of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) to the output signal of self-adjoint scheme and scheme with independent illumination source is suggested. The optimal time when input signal enters to active medium of amplifier for providing maximal signal/noise ratio is determined. ASE is completely suppressed at a time delay of (-4.3; +25.8) ns in the scheme with independent illumination source. It is impossible to achieve complete suppression for the self-adjoint scheme. The minimal ASE value in the self-adjoint scheme was 80 mW, i.e., approximately 2% of the output signal power. The results can be useful in researching the amplification characteristics of active optical systems based on metal vapors, as well as in visual-optical diagnostics in laser monitor circuits on their basis.
|
