Nd:YAG laser optical system setup

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the setup of an optical system for exciting a sample using a Q-switch mode of an Nd:YAG laser. Participants explore issues related to unexpected laser emissions and potential diagnostic challenges in the optical system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possible reasons for the laser emitting red light instead of the expected wavelengths, suggesting the issue may lie with the non-linear optical crystal.
  • Another participant proposes that the laser could be operating at a different wavelength, such as 1320 nm, which might explain the observed red light as its second harmonic.
  • A later reply clarifies that the laser is emitting a green pulse along with a lower intensity red light, raising further questions about the source of the red emission.
  • One participant asks about the pumping method of the laser, suggesting that the red light could originate from the pump laser, which is typically a red diode laser.
  • The original poster confirms that the laser is pumped by a xenon flashlamp, which emits white light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the source of the red light emission, with multiple competing hypotheses being discussed regarding the laser's operation and the optical system setup.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific wavelengths being emitted and the characteristics of the optical system, including the role of the non-linear optical crystal and the pump source.

HAYAO
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Is there anyone who has experience in setting up optical system for exciting a sample using Q-switch mode of Nd:YAG laser? I am currently looking at the optical system which I did not setup (someone else did, but the person is absent and cannot contact).

I have no background whatsoever in optical system setups, and I have a problem that the laser is emitting red light for some reason. I am currently trying to use THG of 1064 nm emission from Nd:YAG (355 nm). However, I do not know the diagnostics of this optical system when it's not working right.

What can be wrong? Could it be the non-linear optical crystal?
 
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I know most Nd:YAG lasers operate at 1064 nm, but there are other wavelengths that exist as well. Is it possible that your laser is actually operating at, for example 1320 nm and you are seeing its second harmonic (660 nm), which would be red and visible?
 
sorry, i forgot to mention that the laser is emitting green pulse laser, but also at the same time, in much much lower intensity, red light with large cross section.
 
How is the laser pumped? Are you sure the red light is not coming from the pump laser, which is usually indeed red diode laser?
 
The laser is pumped by a flashlamp. The pump color is white.

Most likely xenon flashlamp
 

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