Design and performance of a 250 Hz alexandrite laser

The design, analysis, and performance of a 250-Hz alexandrite laser are described. Built as the wavelength-selective laser for a molecular laser isotope-separation program, the laser has to satisfy specifications on its tuning band, linewidth, output energy, temporal behavior, and repetition rate required by the process. The key design feature is the use of a tandem rod oscillator with concave curvature on rod ends for thermal lensing compensation. A model was developed to project the stability range and beam quality relative to repetition rate. The performance results of a delivered system are presented and future developments are discussed.<
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