Master oscillator with three functions for laser fusion systems

Three oscillators are often used in laser fusion systems. One is a cw oscillator for alignment of the laser system; the second is a mode-locked oscillator for generation of subnanosecond pulses; and the third is a Q-switch oscillator for generation of nanosecond pulses. Obviously, it is very difficult and complicated for us to adjust the laser system and change pulse width over the required range. To improve this condition, the authors have developed a new oscillator which can replace these three oscillators. Kuizenga's prelasing method is used to obtained mode-locked laser pulses and Q-switch laser pulses. They also chose to use an acoustooptic modulator and Q-switch in the oscillator. In the 300-800-psec range the pulse amplitude is very stable; amplitude fluctuations are less than +.3%. Streak camera traces show that the pulse is very smooth. The pulse width has been extended to 1.8 nsec when a 10-mm etalon is inserted in the cavity