Development of alexandrite laser crystal treatment prior to coating deposition for high power space applications

Abstract

Modern laser systems have paved the way for spaceborne laser applications such as Earth's surface and atmosphere monitoring. Well known technologies like Nd:YAG lasers are often employed; however, they do not always comply with all the different requirements for space missions. High optical efficiencies and tunable wavelength, which are desirable for many applications, can be reconciled with a simple laser design employing Alexandrite crystals. Horizon 2020 project presented here discuss the results on the development of alexandrite laser crystal treatment prior to coating deposition, as well as future plans on crystal interference coating deposition for LIDT improvement.