What the limits to Quasi-CW is?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the limits of treating a train of square pulses as a Continuous Wave (CW) signal in the context of Non Linear Optics. The question revolves around how short a pulse can be before it is no longer considered CW, and the answer depends on the specific question being asked about the effects of the laser. The speaker's project involves a laser ring-cavity oscillator and the length of the oscillator is designed to produce a 1ns pulse at a repetition rate of 1Mhz. The average power is not important, only the peak power. Therefore, the repetition rate does not matter as long as the oscillator's fiber length is adjusted correctly.
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n0_3sc
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Could someone please explain what the limits to Quasi-CW is?
ie. If I have a train of square pulses, to what limit can I make the approximation that it can be treated as a Continuous Wave signal?

If that question was too vague here is my situation:
In Non Linear Optics you need lots of "watts" of power, now a 50W CW laser is impractical due to many reasons...so we use pulses...the shorter the pulse the higher the peak power.
However, most of Non Linear Optics theory relies on the fact that we are using CW lasers, but how short can you make a pulse until its no longer considered CW??
 
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I think it depends on the specific question you're asking about the effects of the laser. If you care about average power over a long time scale and don't care about the frequency with which the energy is delivered, then any frequency significantly higher than the inverse of this time scale is "Quasi-CW". What, specifically, is the question?
 
  • #3
The basic idea is I am doing a project involving a laser ring-cavity oscillator (more specifically a parametric oscillator), now because its made from only optical fibers the length of this oscillator is designed such that it is the length of a 1ns pulse at a repetition of 1Mhz. The average power is NOT important at all, we are concerned about peak powers.

So would it be correct by saying that it really doesn't matter on the repetition rate so long as this oscillators fiber length is adjusted to the right amount?
 

1. What is Quasi-CW?

Quasi-CW stands for quasi-continuous wave and refers to a type of laser beam that can be pulsed at a high frequency, but with a long enough duration to appear continuous to the human eye.

2. What are the limits to Quasi-CW?

The limits to Quasi-CW depend on the specific laser system being used. Generally, Quasi-CW lasers have a maximum power output and duty cycle that cannot be exceeded without damaging the laser or decreasing its lifespan.

3. How does Quasi-CW differ from continuous wave?

Continuous wave lasers emit a constant beam of light, while Quasi-CW lasers emit a pulsed beam that appears continuous due to its high frequency. Quasi-CW lasers also have a longer pulse duration and lower duty cycle compared to continuous wave lasers.

4. What are the applications of Quasi-CW lasers?

Quasi-CW lasers are commonly used in medical and scientific research, such as in laser surgery and material processing. They are also used in industrial applications, such as cutting and welding, as well as in telecommunications and military technology.

5. Are there any safety concerns with Quasi-CW lasers?

As with any laser, there are safety concerns with Quasi-CW lasers. Their high power output and potential for eye damage require proper safety precautions and protective gear when handling or working with these lasers. It is important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations when using Quasi-CW lasers.

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