Cutting Edge Optronics has demonstrated a 7J, 527nm, 10Hz laser with a 4ns pulse
width and square temporal profile, ideally suited to Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse
Amplification (OPCPA) pumping. DPSS laser technology provides tremendous
advantages over lamp-pumped lasers in meeting the stringent requirements of OPCPA
pump lasers. In particular, the spatial and temporal profiles, the short-term and long-
term pulse energy stability, and the low wavefront distortion of the DPSS laser are an
excellent fit.
By utilizing high quality Nd:YLF crystals and MRF technology, the TWD was minimized
to obtain superior beam quality. The output is nearly diffraction limited with a diameter of
22mm and full angle divergence of ~0.1 mrad at 1053nm. Due to the unique properties
of Nd:YLF, the laser has weak thermal lensing and thermal distortion. This allows
flexibility in its operational frequency. A repetition rate of 10Hz was achieved with a
timing jitter of less than 25ps rms. The beam uniformity over an aperture capturing 90%
of the energy was 7.2% rms. The second harmonic output was generated by a
25x25x15 mm type-I LBO crystal with a conversion efficiency of 78% from a 9.1J,
1053nm output. Output pulse energy stability was 0.45% rms over 10 hours.
Overall, the laser performance results demonstrated that an all diode-pumped Nd:YLF
laser is an excellent solution for the requirements of OPCPA pumping. See additional
information below.
Approved for Public Release: NG25-0505. © 2025 Cutting Edge Optronics, Inc.
