Experimental and Theoretical Ruby Laser Amplifier Dynamics

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Abstract
Experimental measurements of the energy contributed by one or more ruby amplifier rods driven by a ``Q-switched'' (pulse length of 10−7 sec) ruby oscillator are correlated to theoretical equations describing amplifier action. The equations describe amplification in all energy gain regimes, i.e., exponential, nonlinear, and saturated. The necessary requirements for the use of these equations are the prior knowledge of energy stored in the R1 level just before lasing, the energy input from an oscillator, and a ``nonsaturable loss coefficient'' (loss term) for the particular laser rod. Agreement between theory and experiment is demonstrated in all amplifier gain regimes. Energies of over 50 J in single submicrosecond pulses have been observed. No pulse narrowing has been noticed, but appreciable ruby damage occurs at these energy and power levels.

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