Recent enhancements to the OSU burst mode laser and MHz rate imaging systems

Abstract

Recent progress in the development of MHz frame flow diagnostics are presented, based on enhancements to a "burst" mode Nd:YAG laser. In particular, a PDV system that can measure velocity over a plane at rates up to 1 MHz is demonstrated, as well initial results from a custom-built Optical Parametric Oscillator, designed specifically for use with the burst mode pump. Production of broadly wavelength tunable pulse trains, with order mJ individual pulse energy and order 1 cm/sup -1/ spectral linewidth is described.