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### Proceedings Paper

A quasi-two level analytic model for end pumped alkali metal vapor laser
Author(s): G. Hager; J. McIver; D. Hostutler; G. Pitz; G. Perram
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Paper Abstract

In this paper we describe a quasi-two level analytic model for end pumped Alkali metal vapor lasers. The model is developed by considering the steady state rate equations for the number densities of the, 2S1/2, 2P3/2, and 2P1/2, energy states for the three level laser system. The approximation is then made that the relaxation between the two upper levels, 2P3/2 and 2P1/2, caused by collisions with additive ethane is much faster, in fact infinitely fast, by comparison with any other process in the system including stimulated emission. With this assumption the ratio of the number densities for the upper two levels, 2P3/2 and 2P1/2, is given by its statistical equilibrium value and the mathematical description becomes that of a quasi-two level system from which an analytic solution can be extracted. The analytic model description gives expressions for the threshold pump power and the slope efficiency including intra-cavity losses. Applications of the model and comparisons with the steady state three level model developed by Beach et al. will be presented.

Paper Details

Date Published: 12 May 2008
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7005, High-Power Laser Ablation VII, 700528 (12 May 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.782875
Show Author Affiliations
G. Hager, Air Force Institute of Technology (United States)
J. McIver, Air Force Institute of Technology (United States)
D. Hostutler, Air Force Institute of Technology (United States)
G. Pitz, Air Force Institute of Technology (United States)
G. Perram, Air Force Institute of Technology (United States)

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7005:
High-Power Laser Ablation VII
Claude R. Phipps, Editor(s)