The Electron Beam Scanlaser: Theoretical and Operational Studies

This paper presents the theory, design, and initially observed operating parameters of the Electron Beam Scanlaser, a scanning laser device in which a modified electro-optic display tube selects one of many degenerate transverse modes of a flat-field conjugate resonator. The version considered uses a KDP crystal in the mode selector and an ionized mercury hollow cathode discharge as active element. Some observations reported are resolution (10 lines/mm); sweep rate (100 µsec/line); light decay time (2 msec, minimum); and power/spot (1 W pulsed). Laser output power is about 30 dB greater than electron beam power.