A neodymium laser was constructed with a locally designed circular cylindrical pumping cavity. Laser action was achieved under conditions predicted. A Nd:YAG crystal was selected for use in the laser, and the physical and chemical properties of Nd:YAG as compiled from the literature are presented. The theoretical and experimental approach for designing the Nd:YAG laser system, and a detailed description of the laser system are given, with the expected operational characteristics extrapolated from measurements on a commercial laser. After a series of the tests, lasing action was observed at the input power of 3.6 KW. The efficiency of the output power to input was found to be 0.04% (slope) or 0.008% overall approximately 20% of the values for a comparable commercial laser. The low laser efficiency is ascribed to low cavity pumping efficiency and inadequate cooling. Recommendations are made for improvement of system performance.

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http://archive.org/details/theconstructiono1094520110

Lieutenant Colonel, Korean Army