A high energy diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF laser for water vapor differential absorption lidar

Summary form only given. The near-IR absorption bands in the 810-830 nm and 930-950 nm range are well suited for remote measurements of water vapor with differential absorption lidar. A diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF laser which can be tuned over these bands has a great potential as a compact and efficient, narrow linewidth source for atmospheric water vapor DIAL. We present the gain, wavelength tuning and output characteristics of a high energy Cr:LiSAF laser that is being developed for use in an airborne water vapor DIAL system. The laser gain module consists of a 5.5% doped 6/spl times/6/spl times/25 mm Cr/sup 3+/:LiSAF slab pumped from two sides by eight 690 nm diode stacks. For obtaining high extraction efficiency and good laser beam quality a total internal reflection approach is used.