Complications to optical measurements using a laser with an unstable resonator: A case study on laser-induced incandescence of soot

Citation:

Dansson, MA, M Boisselle, MA Linne, and HA Michelsen. 2007. Complications to optical measurements using a laser with an unstable resonator: A case study on laser-induced incandescence of soot. Applied Optics 46: 8095-8103. Copy at http://j.mp/mJtnbI

Abstract:

Temporal behavior of pulses from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with an unstable resonator can vary significantly with radial position in the beam.  Our laser provides pulses with position-dependent durations spanning 8-11.5 ns at 1064 nm and 7-10 ns at 532 nm.  Pulses emerge first and have the longest duration at the center of the beam; they are shorter (by up to 4 ns) and increasingly delayed (by up to 10 ns) with increasing radial distance from the center.  This behavior can have a dramatic effect on time-sensitive experiments, such as laser-induced incandescence of soot, if not taken into account.