Pump Performance of KP/Zr Pyrotechnic Mixtures for Nd:YAG Crystal

Abstract

Radiation emitted by combusting pyrotechnics is a special pumping method for solid state lasers. The present work investigated pyrotechnically pumped Nd:YAG lasers with KP+Zr mixtures as pumping sources. Radiation power distribution and the flash pulse duration of four KP+Zr compositions as well as the laser output energy pumped by them were measured. Results showed that laser energy output varied greatly when Zr content increased from 50% to 65%. The highest laser energy obtained was 555 mJ at Zr content equal to 60%. The influence mechanism of compositions on laser output was discussed.