Part A: Detectors for 10.6 Micron Tea CO2 Laser Radiation, Part B: Modulator for Active Mode-Locking

Abstract

<p>In this report various means of infra-red laser radiation detection were investigated. For the measurement of the energy of pulses of 10.6 μm laser radiation for energies up to 15-20 joules and also for energies up to 200 joules, two pyroelectric detector designs were researched. These two detector designs acted as monitors, using 10% of the beam for detection and allowing 90% to be used for other purposes. Responsivities of as much as 120 mV/J for the 15-20 joule detector and 16.7 mV/J for the 200 joule detector were obtained.</p> <p>Also three types of photon drag materials, used for pulse shape analysis and power detection were investigated. InAs and Te were compared to Ge for a possible faster and more sensitive alternative. Also a means of impedance matching and amplifying the output of these rather low sensitivity detectors using a magnetic current probe was analyzed.</p> <p>Finally an inexpensive and easily constructed container and mount for the 15-20 joules pyroelectric detector was designed along with an attachment to the Lumonics series 100 TEA lasers for ease of alignment with the beam.</p>