Method and system for compact, multi-pass pulsed laser amplifier

摘要

A laser amplifier includes an input aperture operable to receive laser radiation having a first polarization, an output aperture coupled to the input aperture by an optical path, and a polarizer disposed along an optical path. A transmission axis of the polarizer is aligned with the first polarization. The laser amplifier also includes n optical switch disposed along the optical path. The optical switch is operable to pass the laser radiation when operated in a first state and to reflect the laser radiation when operated in a second state. The laser amplifier further includes an optical gain element disposed along the optical path and a polarization rotation device disposed along the optical path.

主权项

1. A laser amplifier comprising:
an input aperture operable to receive laser radiation having a first polarization state; a polarizer disposed along an optical path, the polarizer having a transmission axis aligned with the first polarization state; a Pockels cell disposed along the optical path and operable to receive light transmitted through the polarizer; an optical gain element disposed along the optical path; a polarization rotation device disposed along the optical path and operable to rotate the polarization of light from the first polarization state to a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state; a second polarizer disposed along the optical path, the second polarizer having a transmission axis aligned with the first polarization state; an optical loop operable to receive light reflected from the second polarizer and to direct light to impinge on the first polarizer; and an output aperture disposed along the optical path.